Pathology

Program Overview

The M.S. degree is a course and research-based program culminating in a written thesis and defense. Research interests in the Department of Pathology are diverse, with special emphasis on redox biology and pathology with emphasis on lung diseases, cancer and genomics.

Concentrations

The M.S. in Pathology is thesis and research-based program. 

Thesis: Students must write, present and successfully defend their research thesis.

Requirements: A minimum of 30 credits is required, 24 credits in coursework and a minimum of 6 credits of research while maintaining a minimum 3.00 G.P.A. The successful completion of a comprehensive oral exam and meeting the Graduate College requirements for the master's degree.

Curriculum

• BIOC 6001 General Biochemistry I 3 credits
• CLBI 6010 Cell Biology 3 credits
• PATH 6000 Biomedical Research Design 1 credit
• PATH 6070 Molecular Pathology 3 credits
• PATH 6080 Pathology Journal Club 1 credit
• PATH 6090 Pathology Grand Rounds 1 credit
• PATH 6280 Techniques in Microscopy 3 credits
• PATH 6300 Pathology Rotations (3-9) credits
• CLBI 6020 Science Communication 3 credits
• NSCI 6270 Responsible Conduct in Biomedical Research 1 credit
• PATH 6310 Pathology Clinical Practice 1 credit
• PATH 6391 Master's Thesis Research (6-15) credits
• Additional approved elective courses up to 8 credits

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science: Completion of the core curriculum and comprehensive examination*. 

*Comprehensive Examination: Preparation and defense of a thesis proposal fulfills the comprehensive examination.

Deadlines

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1ST.

Admissions

Strong undergraduate or graduate coursework in chemistry, organic chemistry, and biological sciences.

Competitive GRE general exam or MCAT scores.

Candidates with 2+ years of clinical or lab experience may waive GRE/MCAT requirements.

Submission of UVM Graduate College application.

Three letters of recommendation highlighting intellectual maturity, communication skills, and aptitude for advanced studies.

Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes

• Gather and assess information from diverse sources
• Synthesize and apply knowledge ethically to solve problems
• Evaluate the credibility of research methods and clinical tests
• Defend the rigor of experimental designs, considering critical biological variables (e.g., sex, age, weight)
• Recognize key biological and chemical resources for research and clinical decisions
• Utilize and promote effective communication strategies in teamwork
• Advocate for rigor and reproducibility in research inquiries
• Reflect on experiences to identify improvement areas as lifelong learners