Cancer Sciences MS

The Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is the world’s first cancer research institute and a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Our cancer sciences graduate programs are in collaboration with the University at Buffalo. The internationally-recognized scientists and world-class facilities at Roswell Park provide an outstanding training environment. Because Roswell Park is a cancer research hospital, students have a wide spectrum of choices for their research focus, from the basic investigation of cancer mechanisms, to translational/clinical research with direct relevance to disease treatment.

Required Core (18 credits)

RPG 501LEC - Integrated Cancer Sciences I Credits: 4
RPG 502LEC - Integrated Cancer Sciences II Credits: 4
RPG 503LEC - Integrated Cancer Sciences III Credits: 4
RPG 505SEM - Scientific Communication Credits: 1
RPG 504SEM - Responsible Conduct of Research Credits: 1
RPG 519LLB - Biostatistics for Cancer Sci. Credits: 4

Select 1 from Lab Focus or Preventative Focus (3-4 credits)

Lab Focus

Select 1 from Lab Focus or Preventative Focus:

RPG 543LEC - Tools & Models for Molecular Oncology Credits: 4
RPG 559LEC - Advanced Topics in Immunology Credits: 4

Prevention Focus

Select 1 from Lab Focus or Preventative Focus:

RPG 585LEC - Cancer Epidemiology Credits: 3
EEH 575LEC - Epi Appl to Environ Hlth Credits: 3
EEH 500LEC - Introduction to Epidemiology Credits: 3

Electives (3 credits)

Select 1 course (not used to fulfill another area) from:

This is not a complete list of elective courses. Select appropriately related course in consultation with academic advisor.

BCH 503LEC - Biochemical Principles Credits: 4
BIO 504LEC - Adv Molecular Genetics Credits: 4
BMS 502LEC - Essentials of Genetics and Genomics Credits: 3
EEH 500LEC - Introduction to Epidemiology Credits: 3
GGB 502LEC - Essentials of Genetics & Genomics Credits: 3
GGB 505LEC - Human and Medical Genetics Credits: 3
GGB 519LEC - Bioinformatics and Comp Biol Credits: 3
MCH 501LEC - Drug Discovery Principles Credits: 3
PHY 503LEC - Introduction to Theoretical Physics I Credits: 3
PMY 516LEC - Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Credits: 3
RPG 543LEC - Tools & Models for Molecular Oncology Credits: 4
RPG 559LEC - Advanced Topics in Immunology Credits: 4
RPG 561LEC - Trends-Tumor Immunology Credits: 2
RPG 564LEC - Principles & Applications of Flow & Image Cytometry Credits: 4
RPG 601SEM - Journal Club - First Year Credits: 2
RPG 585LEC - Cancer Epidemiology Credits: 3
or
EEH 575LEC - Epi Appl to Environ Hlth Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Thesis (6 credits)

RPG 512TUT - MS Research Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 30

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) A focused knowledge base that is specific to one or more major concepts in cancer research and treatment

2) A basic aptitude to evaluate critically, both in writing and orally, the research findings of others and to create testable hypotheses

3) An ability to analyze and interpret experiments that address a testable hypothesis

4) The capacity to synthesize hypothesis-driven research findings into an M.S. thesis format

5) Select problem solving, critical thinking, analytical and communication skills that will provide the foundation for lifelong learning and career development

6) A basic understanding of contemporary, social and ethical issues related to cancer research and cancer medicine

7) An appreciation of science as an integral part of society, and to convey this information orally and in the written format

8) The ability to pursue technical careers or advanced educational opportunities upon completion the M.S. in Cancer Sciences

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).