Value of an MS Degree in Neuroscience Industry Perspective Paul McGonigle, Ph.D. Vice President

Background 1982 - 1996 University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Department of Pharmacology 1996 - 2003 Wyeth Research Neuroscience Division 2003-2004 Neurogenix Corporation 2004 - PsychoGenics, Inc.

Positions for MS Degree Holders Behavioral Research Associate Electrophysiology Research Associate Molecular Biology Research Associate Bioinformatics Associate Animal Laboratory Manager

Desired Skill Set Laboratory Experience any experience is desirable – scientific method relevant experience highly preferred Understanding of Experimental Design importance of controls, reference compounds, replication Basic Data Analysis and Statistics Skills able to analyze and interpret experimental data Ability to Read and Understand Scientific Literature read relevant papers to optimize design and interpret results Basic Understanding of Pharmacology dose-response relationship, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics

Industry Trends 5-10 yrs ago, BS was preferred to MS in many situations Now, MS is much preferred over BS in most situations MS is becoming the entry level degree for many laboratory positions Ph.D.s are becoming much more difficult to place Experienced MS researchers preferred over Ph.D. researchers for some laboratory positions

Our Experience BS applicants typically take too long to train MS applicants are more experienced and mature More independent and ambitious Advance further and faster Several have advanced to management positions Several have gone on to Ph.D. programs

Benefits of the MS Degree Starting salary is typically 10 – 15% higher Surveys indicate that an MS degree is worth significantly more than a BS in terms of career earnings Tuition benefits are available at some companies to earn the MS while working Provides a unique opportunity to experience hands-on high level research to help make an informed career decision

PsychoGenics Inc. Tarrytown, New York