Nov. 16, 2005 -- The Higher Learning Commission has approved Arkansas State University's proposal for a new Ph.D. program in molecular biosciences, clearing the way for ASU to start accepting student applications for the spring semester.

Dr. Tom Wheeler, program director, announced that those interested in starting classes in January 2006 should apply by Dec. 1 to the Graduate School, either in-person or online.

After the ASU Board of Trustees approved the program, it was reviewed and approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  The Higher Learning Commission's approval was the final step before classes could begin.

The addition of the doctoral degree program will enable ASU to expand its role in the region as an engine for economic development.

The new Ph.D. program is "cross-disciplinary," meaning that participants will be involved in a variety of disciplines including agriculture, medicine, forensics, environmental sciences, food sciences and renewable energy.

The molecular biosciences program will focus primarily on plant biotechnology systems – including graduate training emphasis on plant-made pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals, and diagnostic tools for food science.

The ABI was created in 2000 as a major research component of the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act. ASU is one of five state institutions mandated and funded to advance the mission of ABI. The ABI at ASU has been directed by the state ABI Board of Directors to focus on plant-made pharmaceuticals (pharmaceutical compounds such as vaccines, produced cost-effectively in crop plants) and nutriceuticals (health-promoting foods and food components.)

Additional information about the program may be found online by clicking on  http://asunews.astate.edu/MolecularBiosciences.htm or by contacting Dr. Wheeler, twheeler@astate.edu, or (870) 972-3300 for a brochure in PDF format.