A student working on computers in the Analytical Lab.

In 2005, the Toxicology Section in the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences had an idea for revamping their graduate program. While they understood the importance of research, they also knew there was a growing need for master's students with real-world training and knowledge.

Under the leadership of Dr. Bill Hanneman, Director of the Center for Environmental Medicine, the Toxicology Section began slowly restructuring the curriculum. The curriculum now reflects the CEM vision, which combines training of master's students with encouraging international partnerships, and providing analytical toxicology services to a wide venue of customers. Students now have the option to opt out of the traditional thesis path and instead focus on curricular and research activities that provide skills necessary to succeed in a student's desired career industry.

The professional approach to the Master of Science in environmental health, with a specialization in toxicology, is also a unique alternative to the standard graduate program. Rather than focusing on a cookie-cutter approach like many graduate programs, an MS in environmental health is tailored to directly meet a student's particular goals. The professional program allows students flexibility in classes and time to completion, hands-on experience toward a variety of career options, and a better academic standing after graduation.

"The program is individualized to fit a student's goals and objectives," said Dr. Marie Legare, Director of Education for the CEM. "Before registering for classes, toxicology faculty members help to match a student's goals with various career paths, potential elective classes, and research opportunities.

Petra Fuierer is hard at work in the CEM Analytical Lab.

Petra Fuierer is a CEM Student Scholar and Master of Science student in the Toxicology Section. "This is a great opportunity for me to gain worldly knowledge of the scientific atmosphere surrounding cancer treatment and veterinary medicine," Fuierer said.

Fuierer earned her Bachelor of Science in biology at New Mexico Tech before coming to Fort Collins to pursue veterinary school at CSU. "I was hoping to get into CSU's veterinary program and wanted to make myself more competitive by continuing my education," she said. "I also wanted to get involved in veterinary medicine and research in any way possible, and the toxicology program has been a great resource that has enabled me to do that."

Fuierer has been given to opportunity to travel and visit Japan's National Institute of Radiological Sciences. She will be able to meet some of Japan's top researchers, doctors, and veterinarians and get hands-on experience with heavy ion treatment of different tumors.

Many students, like Fuierer, use the professional approach to the MS program to enhance their resume, check out different career paths, get practical experience, or even boost their GPA.

The program has a 99 percent graduation rate, with students going into various fields after graduation including:

• 55 percent of the graduates are currently in medical/veterinary/PA/DO/dental programs
• 7 percent are currently in PhD tracks
• 20 percent have careers with EPA/CDC/USDA
• 5 percent are running research labs
• 3 percent in the field of medical devices/marketing/testing

The MS in environmental health is an excellent choice for students who want to add experience, academics, and service to their resume to stand apart from traditional applicants to either professional schools or career openings.

Interested in applying for a MS in environmental health? Visit the Center for Environmental Medicine's application page.