A new master’s degree study program in the animal health industry is being offered by Kansas University.

KU is partnering with Bayer Animal Health of Shawnee to provide a master’s in business administration program aimed at students with a scientific background and management interest. It will be part of Bayer’s new science management integration program.

Once accepted into the program, students would work for Bayer as part of a rotational executive development program while pursuing their MBA with the KU School of Business. After completing the program, students would have an opportunity to continue working for Bayer or pursue a career elsewhere.

“This is the perfect program for professionals who are already working in the animal-health industry and want to explore an innovative new career path,” said Jamie Jackson, director of human resources at Bayer Animal Health.

Students will get exposure to several facets of the animal-health industry, including sales, business development, marketing, project management and finance, KU and Bayer officials said.

“We are excited about the prospect of helping practicing veterinarians, research veterinarians and veterinary technicians build on their successful science careers by providing them with advanced business education they need to move into management,” said Dee Steinle, administrative director of the master’s program in the business school.

A shortage of veterinarians is expected in the future, especially veterinarians who have the education needed to run a business, said Joerg Ohle, president and general manager of Bayer Animal Health.

“The integration of science and management skills has the potential to take our industry to the next level of innovation,” Ohle said.