Professional master’s degree programs in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences have been undergoing a transformation to better meet the needs of students, demands of industry, and requirements of professional schools. Enrolling now for Fall 2013, the revamped programs are offering applicants an exciting option for graduate education.
“The College offers three strong professional master’s degrees that have real-world applications with industry foundations and academic rigor,” said Dr. Susan Vandewoude, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “The College has been working to strengthen these programs through unifying them under a unified organizational structure, combining resources and expertise, and offering our students a superior educational product.”
Graduate Professional master’s students can enhance their opportunities for matriculation into professional programs including DVM, MD, DDS, and DO schools. For example, the BMS program has entered an arrangement with Rocky Vista University in Parker, CO, for designated slots in their DO program. Over the last four years, 6 to 19 professional MS students (BMS or CEM) have gained admittance to CSU CVMBS veterinary program after completing their MS degree. Other negotiations are underway to formalize relationships with professional schools and other employers. Steps are underway for certification of designated programs with the National Professional Science Masters Association.
Greater industry collaboration, improved linkages to professional schools, research opportunities, and enhanced student counseling are just a few of the improvements to current graduate programs, bringing students a greater value for their educational dollar as well as a greater return on their education investment. Professional master’s degree programs are designed to be completed in one to two academic years and differ from traditional master’s programs in the requirement of a research project/thesis.
Biomedical Sciences:
The Professional Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences provides three concentrations: human anatomy, neurobiology, and animal anatomy. Distinguishing aspects of the program include cadaver-based human and animal anatomy courses, as well as excellent neurobiology courses with real anatomical specimens. Biomedical sciences master’s students move on to professional programs in human and veterinary medicine, physical therapy, and dentistry, as well as careers in the biosciences. One particular area of growth and demand is neurosurgery monitoring.
Microbiology-Immunology:
The Professional Master of Science in Microbiology-Immunology has worked closely with industry and academic partners to revise the program’s curriculum to better reflect current demands in the marketplace. With lots of hands-on experiences, in this one-year program students move beyond theory and into practice becoming proficient in state-of-the-art laboratory technology and techniques. With the bioscience industry growing nationwide – 20,000 people are employed in the biosciences in Colorado alone – the demand for skilled microbiologists is continuing to grow.
Toxicology
The Professional Master of Science in Environmental Health with a Specialization in Toxicology provides educational and professional hands-on training in molecular and mechanistic toxicology, pharmaceutical toxicology, risk assessment, and environmental health. Toxicology is an applied field concerned with the effects of chemicals and pharmaceutical agents on living organisms. The program currently is working with industry partners to enhance experiential learning programs. Many toxicology students go on to professional programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, and pharmacology.