Niche Programs Combining Study, Work Becoming Available at Local Universities by Carolyn Cosmos A number of area universities are introducing distinctive and highly specialized programs that combine academic studies with internships at high-powered, prestigious organizations, companies and government institutions. The focus is twofold: Intense academics are being complemented with real-world learning experiences that keep an eye on the job market and, in particular, the increasingly niche-oriented programs shaped by media outlets such as the Internet and cable television. Hereís a look at of some of these programs, many of which are offering classes for the first time this year. American Universityís Masterís in Applied Science American University is launching a new advanced professional science degree next fall that will allow students to specialize in biotechnology, applied computing or environmental science and assessment. Itís unusual in that the program, which leads to a masterís of science degree rather than a doctorate, was designed with input from government and industry leaders and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, according to laun ch coordinator Melinda Beard. A key feature of the program will be internships, which are set to begin in 2005. The university already has luminaries in the biotech world on board for its work-world voyages that include, for example, Digene, Celera Genomics, Human Genome Sciences and MedImmune Inc. Biotech students will come to these companies with coursework in statistics, research methods, and, variously, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics and bioethics. Theyíll also be trained in communication and team-building skills, Beard explained. Applied computing internships could involve the U.S. Office of Naval Research, Nextel or Abt Associates, and the environmental track could lead to internships with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Park Service or an environmental consulting firm. Applications for next fall will be accepted through June, and a program open house for those interested will take place on March 3 and 17 at the university. Information about the two-year program is available at www.american.edu/psm/index.html. George Mason Universityís Masterís in Arts Management Another new graduate program that combines real-world savvy with academic studies is George Masonís just-started masterís program in arts management. The College of Visual and Performing Arts has developed the program in response to what it described as a "growing demand." In announcing the program, which will begin offering courses next fall, the university noted that the Washington-Metropolitan area has the countryís third-largest concentration of performing and visual arts organizationsógroups that are looking for people with skills in management, finance, development and marketing. Entering students are expected to have a background in music, dance, theater, or the visual and technical arts, as well as perhaps a portfolio and an undergraduate degree. And again internships are an important ingredient. Program Director Meg Brindle said George Mason students will find intern slots at museums, galleries, art technology groups, commercial graphic design firms and dance institutions throughout the area, including the National Gallery of Art, Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center, the Fairfax Symphony and the Virginia Opera. "Until recently, people thought you learned arts management on the job only, but this gives you the theoretical structure as well," Brindle explained. "If you learn on the job you only learn what the job knows," but this program, while still hands on, offers a wider view and flexible skills that can be adapted to many settings. More information about the masterís program in arts management is available at www.gmu.edu/cvpa/artsmanagement. Georgetown Universityís Undergraduate Social Justice and MBA Last fall, Georgetown University began a new undergraduate track in social justice studies and community work through its Department of Sociology and Anthropology called the social justice analysis concentration. It includes work on the theories and analyses of inequalities and community-based studies for credit. In addition to core courses in theory, methods and statistics, students may take courses that tackle such diverse topics as confronting homelessness, culture and globalization, Latino sociology, gender roles, transnational migration and the contemporary city. Students enter the program through the standard application process. Information about the new undergraduate concentration in social justice is available at www.georgetown.edu/departments/sociology/newsletter/SJA.html. At the graduate level, Georgetown is offering a high-powered advanced degree called the international executive masterís of business administration (IEMBA) degree, which consists of an 18-month program for those who have "extensive management experience." Coursework is offered every other weekend except for a series of weeklong "residencies." These residencies may involve, for instance, time in the halls of Congress, work with a multinational company in India or hands-on engagement with a firm in Mexico that wants to break into the U.S. market. Students work in teams throughout the program, which has been variously described as "intense," "challenging" and "competitive," with "highly selective" admission standards. Applications for the IEMBA must be received by May 31 to be considered for a September admission. More information is available at www.msb.georgetown.edu/exec_ed/executive_mba. Howard Universityís Fox News Undergraduate Internships Howard University, Fox News and its parent company, News Corp., have an ongoing undergraduate internship program in which broadcast journalism juniors and seniors work at Fox News. "It offers them real-world experience, and some students have been hired by Fox through the internships," said Jannette Dates, dean of Howardís John H. Johnson School of Communications. In mid-February, Fox News Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Roger Ailes presented the School of Communications with a $100,000 gift to enhance its programs. News Corp. operations are conducted in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and the Pacific Basin. Howard is one of the leading producers of African American media professionals. The School of Communications has four departments offering undergraduate degrees. The departments of communication and culture, journalism, and radio, television and film all offer bachelor of artís degrees, while Howardís Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a bachelor of scienceís degree in speech pathology. For more information about communications programs and admission, go to www.howard.edu/schoolcommunications. Carolyn Cosmos is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.