Drexel University College of Medicine's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies is launching four new career-oriented academic programs that address the intersection of basic science with digital media, law, business and entrepreneurship. Students who successfully complete the programs will earn a master of science (MS) degree.
The programs consist of required and elective courses within each discipline. Each also offers a "flex-credit" option that allows students to customize individual plans of study depending on their academic and professional aspirations. "Flex-credit" can be used to select from a list of advanced elective courses. Students can enroll either full time (completion in two years) or part time (program must be completed within four years). Courses are taught in traditional (face-to-face), hybrid and/or online formats. Some of the traditional courses and hybrid courses are offered in the evenings at the Center City Campus, the Queen Lane Campus or the University City Campus.
There are also opportunities for experiential learning credits. "The flexibility of the programs allows students to tailor hands-on experience to fit their future career expectations and present personal needs," said Brian Wigdahl, PhD, chair, Department of Microbiology & Immunology and director, Institute for Molecular Medicine & Infectious Disease. "There are several ways to customize the experiential learning component so that it satisfies both the degree requirements and personal aspirations. These include: research internships, non-research/workplace internships and existing research or work experience."
The basic science and biomedical technology development courses are all taught by College of Medicine faculty from the Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Institute for Molecular Medicine & Infectious Disease. Select courses in business, digital media, entrepreneurship and law will be taught by, and taken at, other schools and colleges within Drexel University. No matter which program is chosen, all students must complete a minimum total of 36 semester credits of combined science and select program courses to receive the MS degree.
An analysis done by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry indicates that by 2018 almost one million of the new jobs in the state will be science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and healthcare positions. "These interdisciplinary programs in biomedicine are designed to help professionals stay competitive in today's job market," says Sandra Urdaneta-Hartmann, MD, PhD, assistant professor of microbiology and immunology, and director of these new programs. "They are ideal for biomedical employees wanting additional qualifications for career advancement, industry professionals interested in boosting their credentials, and for students interested in advancing their education. These programs are also well suited for individuals that have little or no experience in the life sciences but that would like to transition their careers into this path."
Biomedicine and Business
The Biomedicine and Business program provides comprehensive training in fundamental aspects of scientific discovery, technology commercialization and business. This program prepares individuals for leadership in scientifically-oriented management positions in the public or private sector. Business courses will be taught by LeBow College of Business faculty.
Biomedicine and Digital Media
The Biomedicine and Digital Media program is a graduate degree program that intersects science, technology, art and entrepreneurship. This skills-based program is for individuals interested in media design and production careers with an emphasis in health and science. Students who choose this program will also enroll in animate, interactivity and game design courses taught by faculty from the Department of Digital Media at Drexel's Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.
Biomedicine and Entrepreneurship
The Biomedicine and Entrepreneurship program integrates training in technical and practical aspects of science, research and entrepreneurship for individuals interested in pursuing innovation-driven careers in the life sciences. The program helps develop individual initiative and entrepreneurial thinking around scientific discoveries and innovation. Faculty from Drexel's Close School of Entrepreneurship will teach these essential skills for new venture creation.
Biomedicine and Law
The Biomedicine and Law program provides interactive and comprehensive training in technical and practical aspects of science and research, as well as in the legal aspects related to new biomedical product development, entrepreneurship and regulatory compliance. This program is geared to individuals interested in careers focused on technology development. Students who pursue this graduate program will also be taught by faculty from Drexel's Thomas R. Kline School of Law.