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Reproductive Science and Medicine

Degree Types: MS

The master of science in reproductive science and medicine (MS-RSM) is a full-time, terminal master of science degree focusing on human reproductive biology and medicine. We offer thesis and non-thesis tracks to meet the needs of our applicants and their professional goals. Students will also be part of a vibrant community of reproductive scientists through the Center for Reproductive Science.

A majority of program courses and activities are located on the Northwestern University Chicago campus in Illinois, USA. However, the program is cross-campus and some core courses, electives, and thesis research opportunities are located on the Northwestern University Evanston campus and the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Lurie Children's Hospital, also in Chicago, Illinois. University shuttles connect the campuses and are free to students.

Program graduates will be prepared for research and technical positions with academic, clinical, and pharmaceutical laboratories. Students will also have a foundation for further training to PhD and medical degree programs.

Additional Resources:

Program Statistics

Visit Master's Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.

Program Contact

Contact Nimra Chohan
Senior Program Coordinator
312-503-6306

Degree Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.

Thesis Track

Total Units Required: 12

Course Title
Required Courses
REPR_SCI 405-0Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology Foundations
REPR_SCI 406-0Emerging Research in Reproductive Science and Medicine
REPR_SCI 407-0Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology in Society
REPR_SCI 420-0Human Reproductive Health and Disease
REPR_SCI 425-0Responsible Conduct of Research in Reproductive Science
REPR_SCI 455-0Science Communication in Reproductive Science and Medicine
REPR_SCI 497-0Assessment and Career Planning
Required Research Courses
REPR_SCI 440-0Reproductive Technologies Laboratory
REPR_SCI 591-0Thesis Research in Reproductive Science and Medicine
REPR_SCI 595-0Research in Reproductive Science and Medicine
TGS 512-0Continuous Registration (Summer research)

Other MS Degree Requirements-Thesis Track

  • Examinations: A written thesis and public presentation are in lieu of a final examination.
  • Research/Projects: Students are required to join a thesis lab during winter quarter of their first year.
  • Master's Thesis: The MS-RSM thesis track requires a written thesis submitted during the student’s final quarter in the program.

Non-Thesis Track

Total Units Required: 12

Course Title
Required Courses
REPR_SCI 405-0Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology Foundations
REPR_SCI 406-0Emerging Research in Reproductive Science and Medicine
REPR_SCI 407-0Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology in Society
REPR_SCI 420-0Human Reproductive Health and Disease
REPR_SCI 425-0Responsible Conduct of Research in Reproductive Science
REPR_SCI 455-0Science Communication in Reproductive Science and Medicine
REPR_SCI 497-0Assessment and Career Planning
Required Research Courses
REPR_SCI 442-0Reproductive Research Laboratory I
REPR_SCI 443-0Reproductive Research Laboratory II
TGS 512-0Continuous Registration (Summer Research, optional)

Other MS Degree Requirement-Non-Thesis Track

  • Examinations: Students complete a written final examination to earn the MS degree.
  • Research/Projects: Students are not required to perform research for the degree. Students have the option to complete research during the summer quarter after required courses and the final examination are complete.
  • Master's Thesis: The non-thesis track does not require a master’s thesis.

Electives (Optional)

Students may choose from a variety of electives to complete their degree. Electives enable students to tailor their degree to professional and personal interests by developing a focus area and/or achieve breadth. Reproductive Science and Medicine electives include REPR_SCI 415: Medical Management of Fertility, and REPR_SCI 430: Translational Topics in Fertility Preservation and Oncofertility. However, electives can span topics outside of reproductive science. General areas of interest are listed below. Students may take any TGS course and are not limited to the list when determining electives. 

Last Updated: September 12, 2023