Virginia Tech and Georgetown University to offer joint graduate degree in biomedical technology development and management
Classes will begin in fall 2008 for the new master of science in biomedical technology development and management, a joint graduate level degree created by Virginia Tech and Georgetown University.
The degree program was created in response to future directions in medical product discovery and development, and the emerging needs of industry and regulatory agencies. Applications are available online.
Curriculum for the degree program integrates science with technology, management, ethics, and public policy; and draws on the strengths of Virginia Tech in science, industrial and systems engineering, business and management, and Georgetown’s medical research program. Students may apply to and matriculate at Virginia Tech or Georgetown. But, in either case, the instruction, tuition, and fees are identical and the degree will be jointly conferred from both universities.
The master of science in biomedical technology development and management requires 30 semester hours. Each degree candidate must complete and successfully defend a research paper or a project and report -- demonstrating in-depth knowledge of a particular topic as well as the ability to analyze information, think critically, and communicate effectively.
“Working with other universities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is an integral component in our goal to increase research in the National Capital Region,” said Jim Bohland, vice president and executive director, Virginia Tech National Capital Region Operations. “We have successfully collaborated with Georgetown in the past, both in research projects and with academic programs designed for graduate students from the Food and Drug Administration. We welcome this opportunity to continue and expand our partnership.”
The focus of the degree program is to develop professionals proficient in a variety of analytical tools, including modeling and simulation for business decision making. The program will utilize a cross-disciplinary approach covering drug development, medical devices, clinical investigation, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical quality assurance to address the industry-recognized need to produce well-rounded professionals conversant in multiple areas.
“The most compelling evidence of demand for graduates with this degree is that the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health has contracted with Virginia Tech and Georgetown University for its current employees to take courses included in the new program,” said Bohland.
