Professional Science Master’s Degree: Background and Overview Employer Perspective Council of Graduate Schools

Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Degree An innovative degree that:  Prepares graduates for science careers in business, government, or non-profit sectors.  Combines rigorous study in science or mathematics with employer-oriented coursework in business, management, policy, communications, law, or other fields - “Science Plus!”

Why the PSM?  Employers want personnel with advanced science skills but not necessarily a PhD.  PLUS, PSMs provide unique skills that employers need: Interdisciplinary teamwork, flexibility, and leadership Project management Computational skills Communication ability Basic business skills Ethics Legal and Regulatory issues

How is the PSM Different?  Emphasizes the written and verbal communication skills, leadership, and team-building required in professional settings.  More science (and math) than MBA; more professional skills than a traditional science master’s degree.  Includes project or team experience vs. thesis: real world experience.  Provides connections to potential employers through internships and employer/industry advisory boards.

Program Examples  Biotechnology  Forensic Science  Financial Mathematics  Nanoscience  Environmental Science  Biosecurity  Bioinformatics  Analytical Chemistry  Applied Systematics  Science Entrepreneurship  Genetic Counseling  Bioenergy PSM programs are interdisciplinary in fields such as:

PSM students:  Seek interdisciplinary careers.  Thrive in team-oriented environments.  Seek career advancement.  Desire to work in emerging areas of science and scientific discovery.  Find excitement in bringing scientific discovery to commercial reality.

What Can PSMs Provide  Productive employees on day one.  Cross-disciplinary education Science, Math, Computation, and Business Project Management Team Building.  Flexibility to changing industry demands.  Career advancement for existing workforce.  Technically trained cadre of workers for local and regional industry.

Who are the Students  About half are women.  More than two-thirds are U.S. citizens and/or permanent residents.  About 10% are underrepresented minorities (African American, Hispanics, Native Americans).  Increasingly include working professionals.

Connections with Industry  Unusually nimble in adjusting to shifting workforce demands and to rapidly changing research strategies and technologies.  With input from advisory committees of local and regional employers, curricula are designed to be responsive to workforce needs.

PSM Statistics The first PSM program launched in Currently there are:  ~130 PSM programs  65+ institutions with PSM programs  Programs in 25 states plus the District of Columbia  ~2,700 graduates as of 2007

Where are the PSM programs?

National Academies Report Supports PSM A National Academies report recommends “concerted action to accelerate the development nationally” of PSM education among all stakeholders. Recommendations geared toward employers include:  Higher education should support development of PSMs and seek employer partners.  Employers should partner with higher education institutions to create and sustain PSM programs.

Why Consider Supporting PSM Programs  Industry has the opportunity to shape curriculum to meet specific and immediate workforce needs.  Graduates contribute to workforce development through their ability to manage and grow science and technology based industries.  Vital for U.S. competitiveness.

How Can Employers Help PSM Programs?  Serve as Advisory Board Members.  Help in curriculum development.  Serve as Guest Lecturers, Adjunct Faculty.  Provide feedback for continually improving PSM programs.  Become champions re. regional economic development.

How Can Employers Help PSM Students?  Mentor PSM students.  Provide Internships and Subsequent Jobs.  Provide Financial Support, e.g. scholarships and/or tuition reimbursement for employees.

For further information: Contact the CGS PSM Project Staff  Carol B. Lynch, Senior Scholar in Residence and Project Director  Eleanor Babco, Senior Consultant and Co-Project Director  Nancy Vincent, Program Manager, Best Practices  Josh Mahler, Program and Operations Assistant and