Notice of Intent: Request for Authorization to Implement a Master of Science in
Microbiology at UW-La Crosse
A. Proposed Degree
1. Master of Science in Microbiology, with a concentration in Clinical Microbiology
2. Institutional Setting: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
3. Mode of Delivery: Single institution, classroom and laboratory instruction, mentored
research and clinical rotations.
4. Institutional Contact: Sandra Grunwald, Ph.D., 4015 Cowley Hall, 1725 State St., La
Crosse, WI 54601: sgrunwald@uwlax.edu: 608-785-8265
5. Other Required Approvals: None
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse seeks to establish a Master of Science in
Microbiology. Currently, UWL offers a M.S. in Biology with concentrations in
Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology (among others) housed in the Department of
Biology. The existing Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology concentrations within the
Biology M.S. program will become M.S. in Microbiology and M.S. in Microbiology:
Clinical Microbiology Concentration degree tracks housed in the Department of
Microbiology.
B. Alignment with Institutional Mission, Strategic Plan and Existing Program Array
The UW-L Select Mission states that “UW-L fosters curiosity and life-long learning
through collaboration, innovation, and the discovery and dissemination of new
knowledge” while the Strategic Plan calls for academic programs that “. . .foster and
produce: critical thinkers, lifelong learners, skilled and collaborative practitioners and
global citizens who use knowledge and technology with wisdom and ethics”. The
following proposed goals of the Microbiology M.S. align well with the UW-L Select
Mission and Strategic Plan.
Students completing an M.S in Microbiology:
1. have mastered general knowledge of microbiology and detailed knowledge of one
specialized aspect of microbiology.
2. can critically evaluate scientific papers.
3. can effectively communicate scientific knowledge in written and oral forms.
4. can design, conduct and interpret scientific experiments.
The Microbiology M.S. and Clinical Microbiology M.S. concentrations are already an
important part of the UW-L master’s program array. The proposed plan to move the two
concentrations under the Microbiology degree will not change the programs but, via the
creation of an additional stand-alone program, will increase the emphasis and visibility of
graduate programs in the STEM fields at UW-L.
C. Program Description
Currently, UW-L offers a M.S. program in Biology with concentrations in
Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology (among others) housed in the Department of
Biology. The Department of Microbiology is seeking to administer the two microbiology
concentrations via a Master of Science in Microbiology program.
The current Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology concentrations would not be
altered under this change. In these programs, students must pass 32 (Clinical
Microbiology) or 30 Cr (Microbiology) of required and elective courses. Of these credits,
50% must be from 700 level courses. Students must pass an oral exam encompassing their
course work. Within each program, there are thesis and non-thesis tracks. The thesis track
involves original research, while the non-thesis track involves completion of a seminar
paper. For either track, students must pass a written and oral defense of their work.
D. Need for Program
UW-L is seeking to create and administer a Master of Science in Microbiology
degree program. The need for the program is already established as there are currently 21
students enrolled in the Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology concentrations that are
housed in the M.S. degree program in Biology. There has consistently been a strong,
student demand for these programs, and graduates are successful in seeking employment
or advanced educational opportuinities.
Administration of these programs has been primarily through faculty in the
Department of Microbiology, though some aspects are jointly administered with the
Department of Biology. The Department of Microbiology, created in 1999, is well posed
to administer their own graduate program. The Department consists of eight tenure-track
faculty, three instructional academic staff and three support staff. Departmental members
have maintained strong records of teaching, scholarship and service. The implementation
of a Master of Science degree in Microbiology program would further strengthen the
Department of Microbiology by giving the Microbiology M.S. program more visibility
and recognition off campus. Doing so will help in recruiting both graduate students and
new faculty. Several recent faculty candidates were curious as to why the Department of
Microbiology did not have an independent M.S. program.
Importantly, an M.S. in Microbiology would allow increased flexibility and
efficiency in program development and improvement to meet the needs of students. New
programs being considered include a Clinical Lab Sciences B.S./Clinical Microbiology
M.S. dual degree program, a variation of the Clinical Microbiology concentration
specifically for international students and a Professional Science Master’s in Industrial
Microbiology/Biotechnology. Creation of a Master of Science in Microbiology degree
program will streamline approval of these possible programs. Further, with the
development of a possible suit of M.S in Microbiology programs, it will be most efficient
for control and responsibility of these programs to be housed within the Department of
Microbiology.