1. Professional Science Master’s Degree: Background and Overview
Employer Perspective
Revised – 11/12/10
Council of Graduate Schools

2. 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!”

3. 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

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Where are the PSM programs?

11. PSM in Federal Legislation
America COMPETES Act Reauthorization:
As part of NSF authorization, has as an allowable use of funds, “creation, improvement or expansion of innovative graduate programs such as science master’s programs.”
The Report language states, “ The Committee recognizes the importance of master’s programs to prepare future science professionals for careers in the business, government and non-profit sectors and intends that proposals to implement or expand innovative professional science master's programs remain eligible for funding …”

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. For further information: Contact the CGS PSM Project Staff
Carol B. Lynch, Senior Scholar in Residence and Project Director
Eleanor Babco, CGS Consultant and Associate Program Director, Professional Master's Initiatives
Sally Francis, Co-Director, Professional Science Master's Project
Leontyne Goodwin, Program Manager
Josh Mahler, Program and Operations Associate