By: Sabrina Miller, Content Strategy Director

BALTIMORE, Md. – Madison Heyman D‘25 arrived at Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) with a clear goal: to become a pharmacist. What she didn’t expect was how quickly her passion would grow beyond pharmacy. Driven by curiosity and ambition, Heyman charted a new path and earned her master’s degree in healthcare data analytics from Clarkson University while pursuing her Doctor of Pharmacy at NDMU.

This notable achievement is thanks to a partnership between NDMU and Clarckson University. Through this agreement, NDMU’s Doctor of Pharmacy students can enroll in one of three healthcare management master’s degree programs from Clarkson— Healthcare Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Leadership, or an MS in Healthcare Data Analytics. This partnership enables NDMU students to earn a master’s degree focused on the business of healthcare, while simultaneously completing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at NDMU.

Heyman’s decision to pursue a master’s degree in healthcare data analytics at Clarkson, in addition to a Doctor of Pharmacy at NDMU, aligned perfectly with her interest in the analytical side of pharmacy. “I knew this additional master’s degree would help me stand out as a pharmacist. The interdisciplinary approach of blending clinical knowledge, statistical modeling, and health informatics made me think this program would be a great fit for me.”

Dr. Matthew Shimoda, dean of the School of Pharmacy & Health Professions, says the program reflects students’ evolving career goals. “Students today are looking for career pathways where there are areas of high growth. This dual-degree option helps them gain a competitive edge in an everchanging healthcare market.”

The Clarkson master’s programs are offered entirely online, a factor that helped Heyman manage both degrees. The path to earning both degrees has not been without challenges. “I remember after a pharmacy school exam, my friends would be relieved to take a short break from studying, but I had to go home and finish coursework for my master’s program,” she recalled.

Her advice to other students considering this opportunity? “Stay organized and be proactive!” Heyman credits her support system of family and friends who encouraged her through the stressful times and helping her stay focused. Pharmacy runs in the family – her grandfather was a prominent pharmacist in the Baltimore region.

“I absolutely loved my time at NDMU Pharmacy and Clarkson University,” Heyman reflects. “‘A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for’ – you can do anything you put your mind to so do not be afraid to enroll in the dual degree program!”

Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.