Online Master of Science in Life Sciences program with an option in Health Product Risk Management launched

Virginia Tech has developed a new online Master of Science in Life Sciences with an option in Health Product Risk Management and accompanying 12-credit hour Graduate Certificate.

The program is set to launch in the fall semester with applications for graduate program being accepted through July 1.

This graduate program grew out of an award-winning training curriculum developed in the 1990s by a Virginia Tech University Distinguished Professor, George Flick, in the Department of Food Science and Technology.

Through introductions and associations with colleagues in the pharmaceutical and medical device fields, Flick says he recognized an industry-wide consensus for the need for graduate-level options in this thriving area of health product risk management.

In order to meet this industry need and assist professionals in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, Flick led the effort to bring together the faculty and resources necessary to help risk managers become better at analyzing risks related to product lines, manufacturing practices, and patient/provider interactions.

The risk management program will provide a thorough education in best practices and trends in risk management, enabling graduates to correctly assess the risks associated with processes and products; they will be able to devise strategies to mitigate those risks, and help bring the safest, most innovative products to market.

Ideal candidates for the health products risk management program will have a bachelor’s degree and significant experience working in industry, regulatory agencies, testing laboratories, and/or consulting firms. In acknowledgement of this level of experience and preparation for graduate study, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores have been waived as a requirement for full admission.

Both the graduate degree and graduate certificate tracks will be delivered in an online format, affording maximum flexibility for working professionals. The online format opens the door for students all over the world to participate in the program, providing for rich dialogue and shared global perspectives in this emerging field.

The graduate degree is comprised of 30 graduate credit hours. Full admission to the Graduate School is required. Visit Virginia Tech Online for complete registration and application procedures. The graduate certificate consists of four courses (12 credit hours) related to health product risk management. Admission as a non-degree seeking Commonwealth Campus student is required. Coursework earned while pursuing the certificate may be later applied toward the master’s degree.

For more program information, visit the program online or contact Coordinator of Recruitment Tracey Allen, toll free at (866) 791-4898.