High degree of interest

New professional master’s degree attractive to career seekers

Some of the first graduates of a new professional science master’s (PSM) degree program at USC completed their studies in May, and student interest in the program is rapidly growing.

The PSM degree program offers concentrations in bioinformatics, modeling for corporate applications, biotechnology, and environmental geosciences. Coursework can be completed in three semesters, and the degree requires a three-credit internship but no thesis. It has been compared to an MBA in the sciences.

“The PSM is more applied than traditional master of science degrees, and the curriculum is more broad based than a Ph.D.,” said USC program director Jeff French. “This is the ideal degree for someone who wants an applied degree in science along with solid business and communication skills to pursue a range of careers.”

The PSM degree is geared especially for undergraduates who already have decided on graduate school and for people who are working in industry but want to retool for better jobs.

“I know from past experience that you never really know what you are going to end up doing way on down the road, and the more exposure you are given just enhances your abilities and your marketability,” said Tomi Richards, a PSM student in biotechnology who came to USC after several years of employment as a pharmaceutical sales representative.