Master of Science in Reproductive Sciences
The Master of Science in Reproductive Sciences (MSRS) is a two-year, full-time degree program. Students choose to matriculate in either a 36-credit Research concentration or a 40-credit Clinical Embryology concentration.
The Reproductive Sciences program includes a core curriculum shared between both concentrations that focuses on basic and advanced topics in human reproductive physiology and pathology; current tools in the reproductive sciences; and concentration-specific courses for students to learn the vast array of field-specific skills and related knowledge. Courses are taught by program-dedicated instructors and faculty expert guest lecturers providing the most up-to-date information.
- Research Concentration: Students in this 21-month concentration will perform mentored thesis research in a state-of-the-art lab in the Center for Reproductive Health Sciences or an affiliated lab at Washington University. Broad research topics include fertility, contraception, embryology and development, pregnancy, labor, and gynecologic cancers. Research labs take a variety of approaches to these topics, including cellular and molecular biology, immunology, genetics, physiology and biophysics, and biomedical engineering. Students will gain the research and communication skills needed to confidently perform in a research or consulting environment after completing the program.
- Clinical Embryology Concentration: (This concentration is available starting in fall 2026.) Students in this 24-month concentration will be immersed in the embryology laboratory of the Washington University Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center from day one of the program. Students will receive extensive hands-on training in embryology laboratory techniques and gain the specialized knowledge required for a career as a clinical embryologist upon graduation.
Required Core Courses for the MSRS
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REPRSCI 5000 | Human Reproductive Physiology | 3 |
| REPRSCI 5005 | Current Tools in Reproductive Sciences (CTRS) | 3 |
| REPRSCI 5010 | Advanced Topics in Reproductive Sciences (ATRS) | 3 |
| REPRSCI 5015 | Reproductive Sciences Communications I | 1 |
| Total Units | 10 | |
In addition, a statistics course is required (2-3 credit units, approved by the program). Research concentration students are required to complete an elective course (3-4 credit units, approved by the program).
Visit the MSRS website to view concentration-specific required courses.
Admissions
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree, and most applicants will have majored in life sciences or a related field. Additional admissions criteria can be found on the MSRS Admissions page.