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Program Overview



Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Professional Master's Degree in Microbial Systems Analysis?

Genetic engineering of microorganisms is finding increasing applications in areas such as remediating contaminated industrial sites and improving agricultural productivity. The Professional Master's Degree program in Microbial Systems Analysis provides its graduates with an advanced understanding of the complex interrelationships among microorganisms in the environment, their behaviors in engineered systems and an awareness of the legal and regulatory issues involved in their applications. This program builds on existing research and training activities among microbiologists across several University Departments.

It is imperative that a cohort of professionals be trained to evaluate the impacts of microorganisms that are used in environmental and industrial applications. This is especially important in situations where microorganisms are deliberately or unintentionally released into the environment. Corporations, consulting firms, regulatory agencies and judicial bodies are increasingly required to make decisions in cases where expertise in microbial biology is necessary to make sound judgments. This professional masters degree program provides students with a comprehensive training in microbiology along with coursework in regulatory and public health issues. This training is supported with funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. It goes beyond traditional BS degree programs in providing a coherent set of courses that builds a knowledge base in several facets of microbiology and adds complementary courses in business and public policy. The degree program is somewhere between a traditional coursework M.S. (with its emphasis on discipline competency through formal, theoretical coursework), and the traditional thesis M.S. (with its emphasis on research, teamwork, and scientific presentation skills). The Professional Master's Degree captures the best of both traditional degrees and also provides substantial cross-training elements for successful performance in a business or corporate environments. The degrees are two-year (four semester) programs, with options for part-time completion as well. This combination training will make program graduates valuable members of decision-making teams who must deal with complex issues surrounding emerging microbial technologies.

Is this degree program the right one for me?

The target clientele for this degree program are baccalaureate students with degrees in biology or other appropriately related fields who wish to pursue careers in industry, public service or regulatory agencies. Such students may be recent graduates, or non-traditional students who wish to update training for new career opportunities or for advancement with their current employers.

We anticipate that graduates of this program will find employment in industries that apply microorganisms to (1) in-house microbe-mediated processes such as fermentations, drug synthesis, or specialty product synthesis; (2) bioremediation of chemical, nuclear and biological wastes; or (3) intentional release in agricultural applications such as microbial pesticides, ice prevention, or fertilization. In addition, graduates would be suited for positions with federal and state regulatory agencies dealing with public health and environmental concerns. Finally, they may serve in advisory capacities to judicial or legislative bodies who deal with issues involving microorganisms (such as environmental regulations or lawsuits stemming from microbial contamination). In this capacity they may also find employment with private consulting firms.

How are internships and contacts with potential employers made?

An External Liaison for the Professional Master's Program will assume the leadership role in working with program Co-Directors to develop interactions with corporate partners, arranging internship opportunities, matching students with positions, and obtaining ongoing corporate feedback on the effectiveness of the training programs. By virtue of these activities, he will also play a role in placement of graduates. Students will notify the Liaison 3-6 months in advance of their planned internship. Based on the geographical requirements of the students, the External Liaison will cultivate those corporate partners as appropriate. The program for the Professional Master's in Microbial Systems Analysis will be developed and implemented in close communication with corporate partners. A Corporate Advisory Board of six members will provide advice and evaluation. There will be an annual "Career Day" for interactions between corporate partners and students.

Partial Listing of Potential Corporate Partners (those with whom preliminary discussions have been held are indicated by an asterisk):
Amgen, Abbott Laboratories, Bristol Myers-Squibb, CUNO Corp.*, Chiron Corp., DuPont, EPA, Genome Therapeutics*, Millipore, National Marine Fisheries Service*, Schering-Plough, Texaco, The Institute for Genomics Research, Unilever.

What do I need to know about Exit Examinations?

The final requirement for Professional Master's Degree is passing performance on an innovative exit exam that will require an original, scholarly piece of work that may take one of many forms. A comprehensive review paper on an appropriate topic could be assigned. Alternatively, the student could be requested to formulate a solution to a problem encountered in the particular career track chosen. It might be appropriate for the student to write a mock journal article or technical report on work encountered during an internship or other research-training phase of the degree. We envision that some students may already have positions secured prior to completion of the exit exam. In these cases we would consult with the appropriate corporate partner to determine the type of exercise that would be most beneficial to the student's preparation for employment. The student and the Advisory Committee will determine the nature and time frame for completion of the final exam. The Advisory Committee will evaluate the exam per University guidelines. It is the intent of this innovative exit exam to reinforce the discipline-specific competency and to provide an evaluation tool for relevant problem-solving abilities and writing skills.

What do I need to know about an Advisory Committee?

Three members of the Graduate Faculty in the field of study of microbiology will be appointed to serve as the advisory committee for candidates for the Professional Master's in Microbial Systems Analysis. The Advisory Committee will assist the student in the selection of courses best suited to meet career aspirations.

When do I prepare a Plan of Study?

The student must prepare a Plan of Study containing the courses he or she will take to gain mastery of the body of knowledge of the field, including the required or core courses. The advisory committee and the Executive Committee of the Graduate School must approve it.