What is a Professional Science Master’s Degree?
The PSM is an innovative graduate degree designed to allow students to pursue advanced training and excel in science without a Ph.D., while simultaneously developing highly-valued business skills without an MBA. PSMs prepare students for science careers in business, government, or nonprofit organizations, where workforce needs are increasing. Programs are characterized by “science-plus,” combining rigorous study in science or mathematics with skills-based coursework in management, policy, or law. Most require a final project or team experience, as well as a “real-world” internship in a business or public sector enterprise.

• Emphasize written and verbal skills,leadership, and team building
• Are Multidisciplinary in nature and may be interdisciplinary
• Include project or team experience as opposed to thesis
• Provide connections to potential employers through internships
• Adjust to shifting workforce demands and to rapidly changing research strategies and technologies
• Can accommodate working professionals
• Have established advisory committees of local employers to ensure their curriculum is responsive to regional workforce needs

Who hires PSM degree graduates?
Employers of recent PSM graduates in the biosciences range from large, multinational pharmaceutical companies to newer biotechnology companies. Graduates with an interest in intellectual property and technology transfer are working with the federal government or for university technology transfer operations, while financial mathematics graduates are popular hires for banks, brokerage houses, and the insurance industry. Forensic chemists are finding exciting opportunities with state and local forensic laboratories. Regardless of the employment sector, PSM graduates are finding exciting, well-compensated careers. PSM graduates are expected to progress toward leadership roles.