Students in Cedarville University's Doctor of Pharmacy program work on measuring pharmacy prescriptions in its laboratory
CEDARVILLE, OHIO (September 3, 2025) — When most people think of a pharmacist, they envision someone working behind a counter, dispensing medications and managing prescriptions. While that remains a vital aspect of the role, it represents only a fraction of the dynamic and rapidly expanding opportunities available within the pharmacy profession.
In August 2025, Cedarville University’s School of Pharmacy, in partnership with the university’s Robert W Plaster School of Business, launched a dual-degree pathway that enables students to earn both a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and a Master of Arts in Innovation (MAI) on an accelerated timeline. This unique collaboration reflects Cedarville’s commitment to equipping future pharmacists with advanced expertise in both clinical practice and innovative problem-solving skills, preparing graduates to lead in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
“Within this degree partnership, we aim to create an environment that allows our students to design, develop and deploy their innovative ideas,” said Dr Justin Cole, director of Cedarville’s Center for Pharmacy Innovation. “We desire for future students to see pharmacy as a launching pad for a rewarding career with lasting impact — not a destination with limited options.”
The stand-alone MAI degree was first offered at Cedarville in 2022. It is designed to inspire and equip students to innovate with purpose and lead with integrity. Through a collaboration with the International Center for Creativity (ICC) located in Columbus, Ohio — less than an hour from campus — students gain strategic innovation experiences and develop creative problem-solving and leadership skills in a flexible, online format.
“The Master of Arts in Innovation program develops the mindset and skills graduates need to stand out in today’s fast-changing economy,” said Jim Stevenson, president and co-founder of the ICC. Cedarville has partnered with the ICC to deliver an award-winning and nationally-ranked bachelor of arts in industrial and innovative design since 2010. “This vision aligns with Cedarville University’s School of Pharmacy, whose leadership is among the most innovative we’ve encountered. Together, this partnership creates a strong platform for meaningful kingdom impact.”
Dr Megan McNicol, a graduate of Cedarville University's Doctor of Pharmacy program, works with patients at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio
The PharmD-MAI program offers a multifaceted healthcare education that prepares pharmacists for roles in direct patient care to industrial pharmacy. Students will explore design thinking, systems improvement and organizational strategy, gaining the tools to drive innovation in medication therapy management, chronic disease prevention, collaborative care models, and health-care technology.
Dr Katie Perry, a 2019 PharmD graduate, has launched multiple pharmacies in Ohio — including Germantown Pharmacy and Camden Village Pharmacy. Through these ventures, Perry has demonstrated the value of combining clinical expertise with entrepreneurial innovation.
“By investing in this innovative program, Cedarville is positioning itself as a leader in pharmacy education that recognizes the evolving needs of both the profession and the patients we serve,” said Cole. “We are not just training pharmacists. We are developing the next generation of missionally-minded healthcare innovators who will make lasting contributions by improving the health and well-being of people across the globe.”
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
