PSM degree
Encyclopedia
The Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree is a graduate degree (a Master's degree
) in the United States
designed to prepare students for science careers in business, government or non-profit organizations. PSM programs combine rigorous study in science or mathematics with skills-based coursework in management, policy, law or related fields. These programs emphasize the written and verbal communication skills, leadership, and team-building required in professional settings. The first PSM program began in 1997, and there are now nearly 125 PSM programs at over 60 institutions in 25 states and the District of Columbia.
PSM programs are interdisciplinary in nature, preparing students for fields such as forensic science, computational chemistry
, applied mathematics
and bioinformatics
. PSM degrees can be completed in two years of full-time study including an internship.
Most PSM programs have established advisory committees of local and regional employers to make sure their curriculum is properly designed and responsive to workforce needs. Because of their ongoing relationships with employers, PSM programs are more immediately capable of adjusting to shifting workforce demands and rapidly changing research strategies and technologies.
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
) in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
designed to prepare students for science careers in business, government or non-profit organizations. PSM programs combine rigorous study in science or mathematics with skills-based coursework in management, policy, law or related fields. These programs emphasize the written and verbal communication skills, leadership, and team-building required in professional settings. The first PSM program began in 1997, and there are now nearly 125 PSM programs at over 60 institutions in 25 states and the District of Columbia.
PSM programs are interdisciplinary in nature, preparing students for fields such as forensic science, computational chemistry
Computational chemistry
Computational chemistry is a branch of chemistry that uses principles of computer science to assist in solving chemical problems. It uses the results of theoretical chemistry, incorporated into efficient computer programs, to calculate the structures and properties of molecules and solids...
, applied mathematics
Applied mathematics
Applied mathematics is a branch of mathematics that concerns itself with mathematical methods that are typically used in science, engineering, business, and industry. Thus, "applied mathematics" is a mathematical science with specialized knowledge...
and bioinformatics
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is the application of computer science and information technology to the field of biology and medicine. Bioinformatics deals with algorithms, databases and information systems, web technologies, artificial intelligence and soft computing, information and computation theory, software...
. PSM degrees can be completed in two years of full-time study including an internship.
Most PSM programs have established advisory committees of local and regional employers to make sure their curriculum is properly designed and responsive to workforce needs. Because of their ongoing relationships with employers, PSM programs are more immediately capable of adjusting to shifting workforce demands and rapidly changing research strategies and technologies.