Villanova University Introduces Graduate Programs in High-Demand Engineering Fields
New Master of Science degrees in Biochemical Engineering and Cybersecurity meet growing industry needs
Faculty Experts in Biochemical Engineering and Cybersecurity are available to speak with the media
VILLANOVA, Pa. – Created to meet the growing needs in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and to secure critical information systems across all public and private sectors, Villanova University’s College of Engineering has launched new graduate programs in Biochemical Engineering and Cybersecurity. Led by Villanova engineering professors William J. Kelly, PhD, and Richard Perry, PhD, respectively, Master of Science degrees in Biochemical Engineering and Cybersecurity will begin this fall for full and part-time students.
Villanova’s new Biochemical Engineering graduate program will focus on the design and optimization of biopharmaceutical facilities, processes and products using state-of-the-art analysis and technology. “This new degree will allow young professionals interested in a career in the pharmaceutical industry to develop skills that will benefit them in positions ranging from drug discovery scientist at a small biotech firm, to process or facility design engineer at a large pharmaceutical company,” explains Dr. Kelly, Director of the Biochemical Engineering Program and Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering.
To develop a program that enables graduates to easily transition to careers in the pharmaceutical industry, Villanova faculty sought feedback from regional employers. “Last summer we held a focus group panel discussion with local pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies to gauge their interest and get feedback on our course plan,” noted Noelle Comolli, PhD, Co-Director of the Biochemical Engineering Graduate Program. “They were very positive and supportive of this new program, especially courses like Global Pharmaceutical Industry, Biopharm Facility Design, and Drug Delivery Design.”
Also designed with employers’ needs in mind, the Cybersecurity graduate program will equip computer and electrical engineers with the knowledge and skill set required to secure critical information systems for individuals, companies, the military and government. One of the only programs of its kind in the region and the only one that can be completed entirely online, the Master of Science in Cybersecurity offers core cybersecurity courses plus electives from computer engineering, computer science and mathematics.
“There is a clear need for engineering professionals trained in Cybersecurity to design and build secure systems and software, to monitor and respond to unknown and sophisticated attacks, and to participate in the evolution of future cyber technology,” explains Dr. Perry, Associate Professor of Computer Engineering.
More information about the Biochemical Engineering and Cybersecurity degrees, as well as Villanova’s seven other engineering graduate programs, can be found on the University’s website at gradengineering.villanova.edu
*Media interested in speaking with faculty experts on various topics related to Biochemical Engineering and Cybersecurity should contact the Villanova Media Relations Office at (610) 519-5152.
About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's five colleges – the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing and the Villanova University School of Law. As students grow intellectually, Villanova prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them.