LOWELL, MASS. (Aug. 19, 1:30 p.m. ET) — This fall, the University of Massachusetts at Lowell will begin offering a professional master's degree in polymer science that will allow students to complete the advanced degree without writing a thesis.
The polymer science program is in UMass Lowell's Department of Chemistry. The other new professional master's degrees are in pharmaceutical biochemistry, chemistry and atmospheric sciences
UMass Lowell officials said the new programs will prepare students for 21st century careers using hands-on learning, exposure to new technology and offering the chance for international study.
Also new this fall: leadership options for graduate degree programs offered jointly by UMass Lowell's Francis College of Engineering and the College of Management in plastics engineering and chemical, civil, environmental, energy, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering.
“It's kind-of geared for people in the industry,” said Robert Malloy, chairman of UMass Lowell's Plastics Engineering Department. He said the professional master's degree will be less research-focused and more business-oriented than a traditional program.
By combining the disciplines, students get engineering education and work experience, while also learning business, communications and strategy skills.
