College of Science and Technology at N.C. A&T to Offer New PSM in Industrial Biosciences

Greensboro, N.C. (Jan. 18, 2017) – Beginning fall 2017, the Graduate College at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will offer a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program in Industrial Biosciences. The nationally certified graduate degree concentration will provide students with advanced skills and knowledge to support commercial development.

“The PSM program in Industrial Biosciences is a carefully developed program,” said Sanjiv Sarin, dean of the Graduate College. “I think it will be very successful in attracting high-quality students from bioscience-related businesses

The program’s cross-disciplinary approach is in keeping with a growing national movement reflected in over 320 PSM programs around the country established across multiple areas in science and technology. The program is part of a nationwide initiative guided by the National Professional Science Master’s Association. Affiliation of a PSM graduate degree program is based upon review by the PSM National Office.

Students in N.C. A&T’s specialized program will pursue advanced training and excel in science or math without having to obtain a Ph.D. and will develop highly valued business skills.

Faculty within the Department of Biology at N.C. A&T have been coordinating the Industrial Biosciences PSM curriculum with area professionals from industry to make sure students will be engaged and receive instruction on the most relevant and current concepts.

“The dynamic frontiers of biomedical research and biotechnology require that graduates not only have strong competencies in biomedical protocol design and data analysis, but also in project management,” said Scott Harrison, Ph.D., organizer of the Industrial Biosciences PSM program and a faculty member in the Department of Biology.

The development of a PSM program requires a combination of advanced training in the sciences along with additional coursework for training in business, management and communication. “Our PSM program provides an opportunity to jointly develop acumen in both science and business in a graduate experience structured around industry related projects,” said Harrison.

Participants in PSM programs around the country have found there to be great value in the opportunity to acquire specific skills and knowledge in support of their aspirations for careers in business, government, and non-profit organizations, N.C. A&T officials say.

Both current undergraduate students and working career professionals are encouraged to apply. Visit the Industrial Biosciences PSM program online for more information or email gradbio@ncat.edu.