Professional Science Master’s (PSMs) are designed for students seeking a STEM graduate degree and understand the need for developing workplace skills valued by top employers.
The PSM is a perfect fit for professionals because it allows you to pursue advanced training and excel in science or math without a Ph.D., while simultaneously developing highly-valued business skills.
History of the PSM & NPSMA
The PSM initiative, funded by Sloan and Keck Foundations since 1997, aimed to create workforce-focused master’s degrees. In 2000, Sloan partnered with CGS for expansion, focusing on master’s institutions and systems until 2010, emphasizing program quality.
In 2005, PSM Program Directors founded NPSMA, which became a nonprofit in 2007 with Sloan’s help.
Since 2012, the PSM National Office and NPSMA collaborated to serve the PSM community.
In 2018, the PSM National Office became the Commission on Affiliation of PSM Programs to better reflect its role. By June 2019, NPSMA assumed the Commission’s responsibilities for program recognition, data collection, website management, and brand management.
High Demand
PSM programs prepare you for science careers in business, government, or nonprofit organizations, where workforce needs are increasing. Employers of recent PSM graduates in the range from large, multinational pharmaceutical companies to newer biotechnology companies. Graduates are also working with the federal government or for university technology transfer operations. Regardless of the employment sector, PSM graduates are finding exciting, well-compensated careers.
Science-Plus Curricula
Program Examples
- Science/Technology Courses: Modeling, Network Design, Network Security, Simulation, Geographic Information Systems
- Professional Skills: Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, Project Management, Writing, Leadership
- Science/Technology Courses: Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Matrix Theory, Cost Benefit Analysis
- Professional Skills: Leadership, Organizational Decision Making, Human Resources Management
- Science/Technology Courses: Clinical Biostatistics, Clinical Trial Design, Gene Expression Systems, Proteomics, Molecular Evolution, Experimental Immunology
- Professional Skills: Applied Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property and Licensing, U.S. Regulatory Affairs, Project Management
- Science/Technology Courses: Drug Chemistry/Toxicology, Molecular Biology, Quantum Chemistry, DNA Technologies
- Professional Skills: Case Law, Expert Witness Testimony, Formal Reports, Rules of Evidence