Applied Biosciences, PSM
WELCOME to the Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Applied Biosciences (ABS)
The Applied Biosciences (ABS-PSM) program is an interdisciplinary studies program, allowing students to customize their own coursework and research to suit their needs and goals. It is designed to prepare students to enter a competitive, scientific workforce. The program consists of foundational and practical training in various areas of applied biosciences and along with a professional component that includes internships and "cross-training" in workplace skills, such as business, communications, and regulatory affairs. During the two-year course of study, students will gain a strong understanding of the applications of the biological sciences to real world problems, including those faced by public institutions and private industry. We offer six (6) distinct tracks:
- Controlled Environment Agriculture
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences
- Industrial Microbial Biotechnology
- Medical Microbiology Immunology
- Molecular & Cellular Biology
- Sustainable Bioeconomy & Bioenergy
What is a Professional Science Master's (PSM)?
It has been nearly 25 years since the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation funded the first group of Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree programs, hoping to create a new career pathway and fill the need for scientists who are trained to work in a commercial context. Recognizing that traditional graduate-level science training (i.e. Master's of Science) may not be suitable for non-academic careers, in 1997, the Sloan Foundation began to support master's-level degree programs designed to provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics ("STEM") students with a pathway into science-based careers. These PSM degrees combine a science or mathematics curriculum with a professional component designed to provide graduates with the necessary skills for a prominent career in business, government, or nonprofit agencies. Since then, these 2-year graduate programs have proliferated in a wide range of scientific fields, from bioinformatics to nanoscale physics.
As of 2018, there are 345 PSM programs at over 157 institutions, across 4 countries. Taking inspiration from this success, The University of Arizona has its own unique program - separate from the PSM organization - that provides a Professional Science Master's. With an esteemed reputation and world-renowned faculty, our UA students have been able to receive the intricate training and experience necessary for success in their goals and careers in the field of applied biosciences.
Have questions? Contact us:
Jennifer Shim, Program Coordinator Dr. Sadhana Ravishankar, Program Chair
jennifershim@arizona.edu sadhravi@email.arizona.edu
(520) 626-9111 (520) 626-1499
Program Events
There are no upcoming events listed.
Would you like to donate?
If you are interested in donating to support professional masters education at the University of Arizona please click on the words "Applied Biosciences Merit Scholarship" below.
Applied Biosciences Merit Scholarship
This scholarship is specific to students enrolled in the Applied Biosciences GIDP and will be awarded to students based on their academic merit (holding a 3.2 cumulative GPA) and scholarship. Applicants will be selected by a committee of faculty members participating in the Applied Biosciences GIDP.