M.A. in Counseling in Educational Setting
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M.S. in Histopathology
Stratford
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Histopathology (MHP) at Rowan University, offered through the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, is a rigorous, hands-on graduate program specifically designed to prepare students for impactful careers in both clinical and biomedical research laboratories. This intensive, year-round program provides over 300 hours of practical training with expert instructors in basic molecular biology, histology, and animal research techniques. Unlike many other programs, the MHP offers a unique opportunity to develop proficiency in a wide array of skills by training students in both clinical and basic laboratory research techniques, including the effective and ethical use of rodent models of disease. The program aims to equip graduates to work in clinical histology laboratories, academic or private research laboratories, or to pursue further advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Histopathology is a 40-credit program that can be completed in as little as 21 months over five semesters, including a summer session. The curriculum is heavily devoted to hands-on training, occurring both on campus and at affiliate clinical and research sites. Foundational coursework includes Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Systems Physiology, Histology I: Basic Tissue Types, and Responsible Conduct in Research. Practical coursework comprises Basic Laboratory Techniques – Biology, Histology II: Histotechniques, Basic and Advanced Laboratory Animal Techniques, and a crucial Histopathology Internship. Additional advanced coursework includes Histology III: Organ Systems, Mechanisms of Disease, and Topics in Pathology. The program emphasizes a strong theoretical foundation combined with extensive practical experience.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Histopathology program provides a solid foundation in translational and clinical research. While the program is not solely research-focused, the curriculum includes significant practical training in animal research techniques and advanced laboratory skills that are integral to biomedical research. Students are exposed to research methodologies through hands-on laboratory work and theoretical courses like "Mechanisms of Disease" and "Topics in Pathology." The program's directors and faculty are active in research, providing an environment where students can develop the skills necessary to contribute to or conduct research in areas related to disease pathology and tissue analysis.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Histopathology program boasts significant industry engagement through its curriculum design and practical components. A key feature is the required "Histopathology Internship," where students gain valuable professional experience at clinical or research laboratory affiliate sites. This direct exposure to real-world laboratory settings and collaboration with professionals sets graduates apart. The program explicitly prepares students for roles in clinical histology laboratories and academic or private research laboratories, indicating a strong alignment with the needs of the biomedical industry. Graduates are also well-prepared to take the certification exam in Histotechnology offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification, a crucial credential for industry employment.
Global Perspective: While the M.S. in Histopathology program at Rowan University focuses on standards and practices primarily within the U.S. biomedical landscape, the fundamental principles of histology, pathology, molecular biology, and animal research techniques are universally applicable in scientific and medical fields worldwide. The diseases studied and the methodologies used for diagnosis and research have global relevance. Furthermore, the diverse student body that Rowan University attracts, including international students, contributes to a broad academic environment that can foster global awareness within the classroom and laboratory, preparing graduates to work in an increasingly interconnected global scientific community.
Location
Stratford
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19150
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $65
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Rowan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in their academic pursuits. Understanding that studying abroad can be a significant financial investment, Rowan provides merit-based scholarships, awards, and grants to help ease the financial burden and reward academic excellence and leadership potential.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Rowan University may be eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can range from partial to substantial tuition awards and are typically renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship: One of the key awards available to incoming international undergraduate students is the Global Academic Excellence Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding academic records and exceptional leadership qualities. This scholarship helps reduce tuition costs and encourages high-performing students to join Rowan’s diverse community.
Departmental Scholarships and Awards: Many of Rowan’s individual colleges and departments offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing degrees in specific fields such as business, engineering, communication, or health sciences. These awards are often competitive and based on academic merit, portfolio submissions, or departmental recommendations.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, Rowan provides assistantships and fellowships that offer tuition remission along with a stipend in exchange for teaching or research support. These positions not only help finance graduate education but also provide valuable professional experience and academic networking opportunities.
Graduates of the M.S. in Histopathology program at Rowan University emerge with a specialized and highly practical skillset in tissue preparation, analysis, and laboratory techniques, making them exceptionally well-prepared for diverse roles in the biomedical and healthcare sectors. The program's emphasis on both clinical and research methodologies, along with extensive hands-on training, opens doors to a variety of impactful career paths.
Histotechnologist (HTL): Preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists, including processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining, often in clinical pathology laboratories. This is a primary and direct career path, with graduates eligible for ASCP certification.
Research Histologist: Working in academic or pharmaceutical/biotechnology research labs to process and analyze tissue samples for scientific studies, often involving advanced staining techniques and microscopy.
Pathology Assistant (PA): Assisting pathologists with gross examination and dissection of surgical specimens and performing autopsies, preparing tissues for microscopic analysis. (Note: While the MHP provides strong foundational knowledge, becoming a certified PA typically requires a dedicated PA master's program).
Laboratory Manager (Histology/Pathology): Overseeing the daily operations of a histology or pathology laboratory, managing staff, ensuring quality control, and maintaining equipment.
Immunohistochemistry Specialist: Focusing on advanced staining techniques that use antibodies to identify specific antigens in tissues, crucial for cancer diagnosis and research.
Grossing Technician/Assistant: Preparing surgical specimens by dissecting and describing tissues before they are processed for microscopic examination.
Medical/Scientific Sales Specialist: Utilizing in-depth knowledge of histopathology techniques and instrumentation to sell laboratory equipment, reagents, or services to hospitals, research institutions, and diagnostic labs.
Biomedical Research Technician: Contributing to a wide range of biomedical research projects, utilizing skills in tissue handling, molecular biology, and animal model techniques.
Quality Control/Assurance Specialist (Pathology Labs): Ensuring that laboratory procedures and results meet regulatory standards and quality specifications within clinical or research pathology settings.
Further Professional or Doctoral Studies: The M.S. in Histopathology provides a robust scientific foundation for those aspiring to pursue medical school (MD/DO), veterinary school (DVM), or Ph.D. programs in pathology, molecular biology, or related biomedical sciences.
