D'Youville College in Buffalo has received approval from the State Education Department to offer a graduate program in anatomy that will include current techniques being used in anatomical research.

The new master of science program will be offered in fall 2016 according to college officials and will require 30 credit hours for completion. Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to complete the new graduate degree simultaneously with either a biology bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree.

"It is unique in the Western New York area and will emphasize in-depth academics in all traditional anatomical disciplines, with research that is based in anatomical studies," said Dr. Marion Olivieri, chair of Biology and Math at D'Youville and director of the new program. "Our students will gain practical experience in our cutting-edge human gross anatomy labs and acquire a global perspective of the field of anatomy during our unique two-week study abroad experience in Italy. The program is ideal for those with a bachelor's degree who wish to apply to other professional health care programs including medical, dental, physician assistant and chiropractic. Also many pre-professional students want to enhance their applications to advanced degree programs and our graduate program will give them that opportunity."

Anatomy students will be able to participate in D'Youville's annual Professor Giovanni Mazzotti Italian-American Conference on Human Anatomy, Research and Healthcare Professions held on the West Side campus in the summer. This special conference has brought hundreds of medical students and faculty from leading medical institutions in Italy to the college since 2010.

Last September, D'Youville opened a new $25 million Arts, Science and Education building on Niagara Street adjacent to the main campus. It has 19 modern laboratories including state-of-the-art anatomy facilities.

For more information contact  Marion Olivieri at 716-829-7647 or at oliviemp@dyc.edu.