professional science master’s degree: background and overview employer perspective council of...

Professional Science Master’s Degree: Background and

OverviewEmployer Perspective

Council of Graduate Schoolswww.sciencemasters.com

Professional Science Master’s (PSM)

DegreeAn 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 1999.

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(clynch@cgs.nche.edu)

Eleanor Babco, Senior Consultant and Co-Project Director(ebabco@cgs.nche.edu)

Nancy Vincent, Program Manager, Best Practices(nvincent@cgs.nche.edu)

Josh Mahler, Program and Operations Assistant(jmahler@cgs.nche.edu)

www.sciencemasters.com and www.cgsnet.org