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The Professional Science Master’s: A Key Piece of the
Competitiveness and Innovation Agenda
Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools3 April 2009
Carol B. LynchSenior Scholar in Residence and
Project Director, Professional Master’s ProgramsCouncil of Graduate Schools
A new kind of degree that: Prepares graduates for work—outside academia
—involved in active science. Combines technical competencies with
workforce skills, e.g. management, policy, communications, law – “Science Plus.”
Leads to a wider variety of career options than provided by traditional graduate programs – jobs in business, government, non-profit (“BGN”) sectors.
Professional Science Master’s (PSM) - What is it?
What else is it? Technical Leadership Development
Technical depth and leadership skills are hard to find in one person, but essential in many employment areas (director/manager in technical and financial fields).
PSMs produce technically knowledgeable leaders.
Needs for such people increase with complexity. This is vital for US global competitiveness.
“The winners in the 21st century economy will be those enterprises and individuals who can fuse invention and insight into innovations that bring new value to the world. Graduates who have gained knowledge of technology, business and the cultural sensitivities of working in a globally integrated world are those most likely to thrive.” - Nicholas M. Donofrio Executive Vice President, Innovation and Technology
IBM Corporation
Workforce Projections
Globalizing, off-shoring, rapid change. Many expect demand for graduate skills. Ramp-ups in competition: China, India. Needed: more flexibility, nimbleness in
graduate science education.
How is the PSM Different?
Curriculum developed in concert with employers and designed to dovetail into present and future vocational opportunities.
Based on analysis of demand for graduates, including collection of information from potential employers.
Initiation of PSM Programs
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1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009-2010
Number ofPrograms
New PSM Initiatives – Systems and States
SUNY – 23 PSM programs under development on 8 campuses (plus 3 in existence from first Sloan grants).
Cal. State System – 11 new programs under development in addition to 6 in existence from CGS/Sloan master’s focused grants.
New PSM - Systems (cont.)
North Carolina – Currently, 5 campuses have 6 PSM programs, 3 more ready to affiliate, and more coming.
University of North Texas – 3 PSM programs were developed at the flagship campus at Denton.
Planned Massachusetts – Four of the five campuses in
the UMass system, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell and Amherst are moving forward with PSMs.
New Initiatives (cont.)
Florida state-wide PSM meeting to plan as part of regional economic development.
Mid-Atlantic HBCU PSM Alliance formed to collaboratively develop PSMs.
NGA PSM Policy Academy – initiatives in 5 states (OR, NM, AZ, VA, PA).
PSM in Federal Legislation
America COMPETES Act: Contained authorization for a PSM
clearinghouse and grants program at the National Science Foundation.
Signed into law in August 2007. Funding up to $15 million authorized. One –time funding placed into stimulus
package.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Text of the legislation is currently available on the House Rules Committee website at www.rules.house.gov/bills_details.aspx?NewsID=4149. The NSF PSM language can be found in the Joint Explanatory Statement Division A. It simply states:
EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCESThe conference agreement includes $100,000,000 for education and human resources, to remain available until September 30, 2010. These funds shall be allocated as follows:- Robert Noyce Scholarship Program. $60,000,000- Math and Science Partnerships. $25,000,000- Professional Science Master's Programs. $15,000,000
National Research Council Report Supports PSM
NRC report recommends “concerted action to accelerate the development nationally of PSM education” including:
Expand beyond the NSF to other federal science agencies.
Encourage states to endorse PSMs. Philanthropic institutions should continue to play
role in creating and sustaining PSMs.
National Research Council Report Supports PSM (con’t)
Professional and industry associations should include PSMs in their higher education strategies.
Higher education should support development of PSMs and seek employer partners.
Employers should partner with higher ed institutions to create and sustain PSM programs.
SPEAKERS
David King, Dean of the Graduate School, SUNY Oswego
Harvey Waterman, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, Rutgers University
For further information: Contact the CGS PSM Project Staff
Carol B. Lynch, Senior Scholar in Residence and Project Director([email protected])
Eleanor Babco, Senior Consultant and Co-Project Director([email protected])
Nancy Vincent, Program Manager([email protected])
Josh Mahler, Program Assistant([email protected])
www.cgsnet.org and www.sciencemasters.com
