All Pathology MS students must have a minimum of 21 credit hours of coursework and 9 hours of research. Required coursework is as follows:

• BMED:5207:000A Principles Molecular & Cellular Biology (3 s.h.)
• BIOS:4120:0AAA Introduction to Biostatistics (3 s.h.)
• PATH:6220:0001 Seminar in Pathology (1 s.h. x 2 semesters)
• PATH:5270:0001 Pathogenesis of Major Human Diseases (3 s.h.)
• BMED:7270:0002 Principles of Scholarly Integrity

Required coursework results in:

1. A basic understanding of molecular and cellular biology.
2. A basic understanding of biostatistics.
3. An advanced understanding of pathobiology and mechanisms of human disease.

Remaining coursework consists of electives focused on the area or topic of the student's thesis project. These electives are graduate level courses offered by a range of departments on the biomedical campus. All coursework is completed within the first two years.

The thesis project is carried out under the guidance of the mentor and thesis committee. The committee is composed of the student's mentor and two additional faculty members. In general, the thesis consists of four chapters with the first being a concise review of the literature, the second materials and methods, and the last two a scholarly description of the project results. The student must meet with the thesis committee at least once a year, with a satisfactory report submitted after each meeting. The thesis must be defended before the committee prior to final approval.

Graduate students in the MS Program benefit from laboratory training that emphasizes clinical and translational aspects of human disease.

Although many investigators on the University of Iowa biomedical campus focus on various aspects of human disease, this is true of every laboratory-based researcher in the Department of Pathology. Moreover, in addition to utilizing standard mouse and cell-based approaches, our research faculty routinely use human patient substrate in their research and/or are bringing new therapies to the clinic.

Students admitted to the Pathology program consist of recent college graduates, as well as individuals who have been in the work force for several years.

View current students

Given the requirements for admission, the academic credentials of admitted Pathology students are on par with most biomedical PhD programs on campus. This often leads to questions as to why a student would apply to the Pathology MS rather than a PhD granting program.

Although our students are talented and science focused, most enter the program since they have not yet crystallized their long-term goals. As discussed below in Outcomes, the program is very successful in helping students realize their potential, plan careers and understand whether they wish to pursue an advanced degree.

Since 2005, the average time to completion has been 30 months (range = 21-39 months). Since 2010, average time to completion has dropped to 29 months (range = 21-39 months). Time to completion is measured by date of matriculation to date of thesis defense.

Since 2005, graduates of the program have used the M.S. degree to further their professional careers in a number of venues. Some have gone directly into the work force as research assistants or staff scientists in either academic or private sector laboratories. Other graduates have furthered their education by pursuing a range of advanced professional degrees. These include M.D., P.A., Ph.D., and executive M.B.A. programs. Since 2005, 74% of Pathology Program graduates have been accepted into advanced degree programs. To view the thesis projects and academic/employment history of Pathology Program graduates since 2005, please click on the link below:

Pathology M.S. graduates since 2005