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| Master of Science Degree Program in Clinical Embryology Overview The mission of this new MS Degree Program in Clinical Embryology is to prepare students for a challenging career in the scientific or laboratory aspects of Human Reproduction. This program takes full advantage of the resources available in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Feinberg School of Medicine. The Department’s Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility is one of the most active university-based Assisted Human Reproduction programs in the Midwest, while the Division of Reproductive Biology Research is one of the most competitive research teams in obtaining federal funding for scientific research in the area of human reproduction and women’s health in the country. The combined clinical and scientific resources from these two divisions provide a uniquely comprehensive educational environment for the preparation of future professionals and scientists specialized in Human Reproduction. The program is unique in its focus on one of the most dynamic areas of scientific investigation and laboratory medicine. The existing graduate programs in Feinberg School of Medicine cover many important disciplines, e.g. the MS Program in Genetic Counseling and Integrated Graduate Programs in Life Sciences. The MS Program in Clinical Embryology will complement these programs and yet fill a void. Despite the rapid growth in the scientific and clinical aspects of Human Reproduction in the last few decades, there are only a few universities worldwide that offer graduate programs in Clinical Embryology. The new program at Northwestern will be offered on-campus with an academic and educational environment that cannot be reproduced on-line or by correspondence. Further, the exposure to active clinical and research laboratories through this on-site program will prepare students for a much wider spectrum of career opportunities.There is a high demand, both locally and nationally, for properly trained technical and scientific research personnel. Reproductive Medicine is one of the most dynamic disciplines in Medicine, and its distinctive feature is that much of the progress is laboratory-driven. These advances in Reproductive Medicine also draw intensive public attention. All these are strong attractions for talented university graduates who want to develop a challenging career associated with Medical Sciences. We expect that applicants for this program will come from very diverse sources, ranging from new graduates from domestic and international universities to experienced technologists seeking to expand their knowledge for further career advancement. We plan to admit no more than three students each year during the first two years, and the enrolment may be gradually expanded depending on the demand. The minimum requirements for admission include: (1) a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent in the case of overseas applicants); (2) two years of university-level courses in Biology and in Chemistry, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; (3) Applicants whose college courses were not delivered in English must meet Northwestern University’s admission requirement for competence in English language. Curriculum and Coursework requirements Two different two-year tracks are offered for admitted students. One emphasizes preparation of the students for scientific careers in research, educational or industrial organizations, and the other for a career in a clinical service setting. The two will share the same coursework requirement, but differ in their laboratory rotation components. The students must select their own track before the required coursework is completed. The students will be supported by their own resources. However, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology will provide all necessary assistance to prospective students in preparing applications for external funding, including grants, loans or scholarship. This program is under the governance of an Executive Committee in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The director and members of the committee will be appointed by the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The committee will also include a member from the office of the Executive Associate Dean for Education at Feinberg School of Medicine. The committee will decide on the admissions criteria, approve coursework requirements and new courses for inclusion in the program. National demand for graduates is high. The employment options for graduates of this program include a number of sectors, such as academic institutions, health-care providers and related pharmaceutical and lab supply companies. Graduates, particularly those on the "Science" track, may also consider further graduate research training in a Ph.D. program at Northwestern University or other institutions. | | |||||||||||||||||||
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