In Demand

Mass spectrometry is a fast-growing field.  Employment and career advancement opportunities are in-demand.  And Loyola University Chicago's MS-CAPs program seeks to produce candidates uniquely qualified for a career in mass spectrometry.

Flexible

During the theory sections of the course, you will access classes online, at your convenience.  

Hands on

During the two laboratory rotations, you will gain invaluable in-person experience with state-of-the-art equipment at Loyola's Health Sciences Campus, along with expert faculty instruction in small classes.

Networking

Students will create professional connections with our industry partners to get a head start on finding career success.  

Clinical Opportunities

Through iLoyola Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine's academic medical center partner, students will gain invaluable clinical exposure and experience that will support them if they pursue a career in biomarker development.

Faculty Advisor

Each student will be assigned a faculty advisor to support and guide them through their projects and in pursuit of their individual career goals.

The MSCAPs Program is designed for career focused motivated students, able to self-manage themselves through their theoretical studies, seeking to enter promptly into the workforce with career-ready skills and expertise. Candidates for the MSCAPs Program will be required to have the following minimum requirements:

• Minimum BA or BS in STEM-related field with a cumulative GPA >3.0 (GRE not required)
• TOEFL score >75 required when English is not the primary language
• Must be a citizen of the United States or Eligible for a student Visa to enter the United States for the two, three week in-person sessions.

The MSCAPs requires 30 credit hours. The time limit to complete all the work towards the degree is one year.

The credit hours are broken down as follows:

20 didactic course credits

10 laboratory credits

Students will take courses in Theory and Physics of Mass Spectrometry (4 Credit Hours), Chemistry of Protein Separation (4 Credit hours), Introduction to Mass Spectrometry (2 Credit hours) and complete a laboratory rotation (5 credit hours) during semester 1. The remaining 15 credits will be completed in semester 2. These include Computational and Bioinformatics (3 credit hours), Clinical Considerations and Biomarker Development (3 Credit hours), Advanced Approaches for Mass Spectrometry (2 Credit hours), Proteomics Capstone Design Project – Advisor Monitored Independent Study – (2 Credit hours), a further laboratory rotation (5 credit hours)

The didactic classes will take place online and will be assessed through a series of exams (50%), weekly quizzes and homework (25%), and Case study problem solving sessions (25%)

The laboratory rotation will take place in person at the Loyola University of Chicago’s Health Sciences Campus and be assessed through Laboratory reports (50%), Attendance and good practice (25%), and sample preparation/data quality.

The Capstone Design Project will be assessed through a written research proposal (50%), an oral presentation of the Capstone Project (25%), and participation in advisory meetings (10%).

For more information, consult the MS CAPs Handbook. 

Information regarding tuition and fees for the Graduate Programs at the Loyola University Medical Center can be found at: Tuition and Fees

Jonathan Kirk, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physiology, MSCAPs Program Director

jkirk2@luc.edu

Peter Kekenes-Huskey, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Cell and Molecular Physiology

pkekeneshuskey@luc.edu

Patrick Oakes Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Cell and Molecular Physiology

poakes@luc.edu

Toni Pak Ph.D., James R. Depauw Professor and Chair Cell and Molecular Physiology

tpak@luc.edu