"We found … [his] level of productivity was at a much higher level, equivalent to that of a senior scientist. In fact his ability to work unsupervised allowed us to send him on international assignments that required him to be, self sufficient, scientifically competent and knowledgeable about proper business etiquette. In addition, the University facilitated the process to the point where things were taken care of in a swift and effortless manor."

Enrico Picozza
President and CEO of HTS Biosystems and Entrepreneur
Comments on a University of Connecticut, Applied Genomics Intern

"Professional science masters (PSM) degree programs represent a significant revolution in graduate science education. They serve students, universities and employers in an almost ideal way -- business and industrial advisors help university faculty and staff prepare students for careers where scientific and mathematical depth, and personal development are in high demand. Typically, graduates earn "knowledge worker" careers that are stimulating and well-paid from the start and can lead to considerable advancement. I wish these programs existed when I was completing my education!"

"I work at the Ford Motor Company where teams of students from MSU's Industrial Mathematics PSM have done well with four projects Ford has sponsored. We also benefited from an internship and just recently (in a time when the Ford staffs are shrinking) hired our first graduate from this PSM program. This PSM has the attention of several Ford executives -- we look forward to more involvement."

Phil Tuchinsky
Technical Expert, System Analytics and Environmental Sciences Dept.
Ford Research & Advanced Engineering
Ford Motor Company

"PSM programs graduate individuals with the technical skills of a regular master's graduate and added business acumen. Graduates have the marketing savvy and excellent written and verbal communication skills necessary to survive in business-centric technical positions, e.g. sales engineer, project manager, lead engineer, CTO, CEO, and other executive positions."

Kathleen Perkins
CEO, Breault Research
Tucson, Arizona

"Students in the Professional Master's Degree Program in Applied Biosciences should find advancement prospects significantly enhanced in the biotechnology industry, particularly relative to more traditional master's degreed students."

David Robinson
Chairman, President, and CEO, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Chairman of the Board and Director, Biotechnology Industry Organization

"The ... Professional Master's Degree Program serves a great and constantly growing need in industry to produce students who are technically savvy and have a high degree of knowledge in the applied sciences, as well as a comprehension of the fundamentals of business and professionalism. Industry needs employees who not only understand the technical nature of their projects, but the business and legal aspects as well, and are able to communicate their mission to broad audiences. Students in this unique program learn just that. The Professional Master's Degree Program produces students who understand science and business and the inherent connection between the two disciplines in industry. The success of science professionals is based on individuals who understand these connections, and the ... Professional Master's Degree Program gives its graduates the skills to excel in their careers."

Lois A. Dimpfel
Vice President, Global Services (Retired)
IBM Corporation

"Genomics is becoming an essential science for medical discovery. Genomics is in its infancy and needs scientists that are eager to explore new, evolving technologies. Graduates of the ... Professional Masters program have the skills, experience, and knowledge for successful, fulfilling careers in genomics."

Pamela M. Carroll, Ph.D.
Senior Research Investigator
Applied Genomics Pharmaceutical Research Institute
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

"Individuals with an educational background in these interdisciplinary areas are very few in number. [The] idea of combining a rare and highly demanded technical education with a modest exposure to training in business will produce students who are truly unique, and these students will be highly recruited by industry."

Ken Smith
Co-founder of Carbon Nanotechnologies, Inc.

"Environmental consulting companies seek to hire motivated individuals with a solid background in applying quantitative skills to solve and prevent environmental problems. In addition, as consultants, these individuals need to be able to communicate effectively and have a keen sense of management and business practices. Graduates from [the] Professional Master’s Program in Environmental Analysis and Decision Making will possess these qualities and be a tremendous asset to us and others in our field."

Chuck Newell
Vice President
Groundwater Services, Inc.

"Students in the Professional Master’s Program benefit from ... well-recognized academic resources enhanced with professional components that together foster the development of essential science, communication, and management skills. The Subsurface Geoscience track creates a rare breed of well-prepared professionals possessing the wide range of abilities necessary to devise innovative and pragmatic approaches to tackle difficult industry problems."

André Erlich
Chief Information Officer
Schlumberger Ltd.