All students must meet the Requirements for the Master's Degree
Overview
The Department of Pathology offers both a thesis and non-thesis based Master of Science degree. The thesis-based M.S. is a course and research-based program, with 24 credits in coursework, and a minimum of 6 credits of research culminating in a written thesis and defense. It is available to all applicants. A non-thesis M.S. requires 30 credits in coursework but does not require a thesis or thesis defense. The non-thesis M.S. is available only to University of Vermont medical students in the Vermont Integrated Curriculum (VIC). Research interests in the Department of Pathology are diverse, with special emphasis on Environmental Pathology, Pulmonary Diseases, and Cardiovascular Molecular Epidemiology.
Specific Requirements
Minimum Degree Requirements
A minimum of 30 credits, with at least 6 at the 6000-level and a minimum GPA of 3.00 are required for a M.S. in pathology, at least 6 credits of coursework must be at the 6000-level plus successful completion of an oral presentation at Pathology Grand Rounds covering a capstone or paper research project for non-thesis track students, or successful defense of a research thesis for thesis track students. Students must also meet the Graduate College requirements for the Master's Degree.
| Requirement Description | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Thesis Track (Core curriculum - 30 credit hrs) | ||
| PATH 6300 | Pathology Rotations (3-9 credits repeated) | 24 |
| PATH 6000 | Biomedical Research Design | 1 |
| PATH 6080 | Pathology Journal Club | 1 |
| PATH 6090 | Pathology Grand Rounds | 1 |
| NSCI 6270 | Resp Conduct in Biomed Rsch | 1 |
| Additional approved courses | 2 | |
| Requirement Description | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Track (Core curriculum- Minimum 30 credit hours) | ||
| BIOC 6001 | General Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CLBI 6010 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| CLBI 6020 | Science Communication | 2 |
| NSCI 6270 | Resp Conduct in Biomed Rsch | 1 |
| PATH 6000 | Biomedical Research Design | 1 |
| PATH 6070 | Molecular Pathology | 3 |
| PATH 6080 | Pathology Journal Club | 1 |
| PATH 6090 | Pathology Grand Rounds | 1 |
| PATH 6280 | Techniques in Microscopy | 3 |
| PATH 6300 | Pathology Rotations | 3-9 |
| PATH 6310 | Pathology Clinical Practice | 1 |
| PATH 6391 | Master's Thesis Research | 6-15 |
| Additional approved elective courses | Up to 8 | |
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination is fulfilled in the non-thesis track through a graded grand rounds presentation covering a capstone or a paper research project. Preparation and defense of a thesis proposal fulfills the comprehensive examination for the thesis track.
Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science
Completion of core curriculum and passing the comprehensive examination.