Two new master's degree programs -- in quantitative financial economics and in biomedical science -- were approved Saturday by the Duke University Board of Trustees.
The proposals had already been endorsed by two faculty bodies -- the Academic Programs Committee and the Academic Council.
Students in the quantitative financial economics program will study globally interconnected financial markets that are increasingly complex and often driven by esoteric financial instruments, some of which have created "financial havoc," professor Emma Rasiel told the Academic Council last month. Rasiel said there is a need for more students to do research and receive specialized training in this field, including education in ethical responsibility.
Quantitative financial economics is already a strong area of research and interest for faculty in Duke’s Department of Economics, Rasiel said. The department’s new master’s program will be aimed at students who want to pursue Ph.D. programs in finance or careers in the financial markets or with related regulatory and policy institutions.
The biomedical science degree program, to be housed in the School of Medicine, will target prospective applicants to medical school, physician assistant and physical therapy schools, other health professions schools, and those desiring related careers in biomedical sciences. The 11-month program would include interdisciplinary, team-based learning with clinical and experiential components. Basic science courses, labs and small group seminars will help students develop skills in critical thinking, communications and teamwork.
In other items, the trustees approved the construction of a new parking garage at the corner of Science Drive and Cameron Boulevard. The multi-level garage, to be built on what is now a surface lot, will have more than 2,000 spaces. It will add parking access in the athletic facilities area of the campus, where some parking has been lost to other new construction, and provide additional spaces for students in the law school and Fuqua School of Business.
The trustees also were updated this weekend on issue and trends in Ph.D. programs by Provost Sally Kornbluth, Graduate School Dean Paula McClain and others, and on Duke’s Ebola preparations and response by Vice President for Administration Kyle Cavanaugh.