New Life Science Masters Degree Initiative Announced

Posted on July 14, 2009 by Barbara Macaulay

UMassOnline barbara Macaulay The details are still in development but more will be forthcoming in the summer and fall months with respect to an exciting new venture in the UMass system, which includes UMassOnline…On July 8, 2009, University of Massachusetts President Jack M. Wilson announced a new initiative in the life sciences involving all five campuses in the system. During the coming year, the campuses will develop ten Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree programs that combine academic concentrations, industry experience and practical skills in business and communications. The significance of these degrees is that students interested in science careers, but not necessarily interested in the attainment of doctoral degrees, will now have key pathways to follow in helping them attain jobs in the life sciences, as well as other science fields. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, a national leader in promoting higher education in science, awarded the UMass system a $124,200 grant to mount this effort. This is matched by $150,000 from the University, along with significant in-kind work.

In his announcement about this initiative, President Wilson referenced the critical importance of these planned courses and UMassOnline’s role in supporting the program:

“The Professional Science Masters degree program at UMass will help train the next generation of leaders for our state’s thriving life sciences super cluster,” said Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister, president of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.

The UMass PSM initiative directly addresses this need by combining the expertise of a substantial number of UMass faculty in life sciences and business with the ability to share online courses through the internationally recognized UMassOnline and a strong connection to the industry. As the initiative advances, UMass intends to develop PSM degrees in other areas critical to Massachusetts’ innovation economy.

Please stay tuned. As more details emerge I will provide regular updates about the ten planned PSM degree programs.