Two degree programs in Reproductive and Cancer Biology are offered: - Master of Health Science (MHS)
- Master of Science (ScM)
Many of the students who enroll in these programs do so to improve their chances of acceptance into medical or other professional schools, while others will pursue advanced graduate work or positions in industry or the public health arena. Student Funding How to Apply
The MHS program requires nine months (September through May) of coursework and the writing of a scholarly, literature-based thesis in the broad areas of reproductive or cancer biology. MHS students must complete 64 credits during the four terms of the academic year. There is great flexibility in the program; a student's coursework is highly individualized and depends upon his/her background and career aspirations. The required one-term courses include:
- Fundamentals of Reproductive Biology
- Introduction to Molecular Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology of Disease
- Molecular Biology of Carcinogenesis
- MHS Thesis
Additionally, to satisfy school-wide requirements for the MHS degree, students must successfully complete: - Academic and Research Ethics
- Public Health Perspectives
The substantial flexibility in the program provides students ample opportunity to pursue desired coursework in departments within the School, whether lab-based or not. The following courses are among those taken and recommended highly by current and former MHS students: - Biochemistry
- Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Reproduction
- Cell Biology
- Genomics for Public Health
- Principles of Toxicology
- Principles of Immunology
- Virology
- Principles of Environmental Health
- Fundamentals of Human Physiology
- Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System
- Genetic Epidemiology
- Topics in AIDS Research
- Women's Health and Health Policy
- Descriptive and Inferential Biostatistics
The ScM program is a research-based program requiring two years of study that includes an academic year (nine months) of coursework, the completion of original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and the writing of a research-based thesis. ScM students are admitted initially into the MHS program described above. In the third term, MHS students with an interest in research may request transfer to the ScM program. Approval is contingent upon the student identifying a research mentor and the agreement of the faculty. ScM students conduct original research during their second year, which continues until the satisfactory completion of the ScM thesis. Typically, ScM students present their findings at national meetings and publish their results in peer-reviewed journals. Most ScM graduates continue on to medical school, advanced graduate study, or research positions in industry or elsewhere.
| 
