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WSU leads in state
Professional science master’s program sees fast growth
Thursday, Mar. 8, 2012
By Richard H. Miller, Center for Distance and Professional Education
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PULLMAN, Wash. - The timing couldn’t have been better. It was 2010. Scientists wanted to earn a graduate degree that would equip them with the skills and credentials needed to advance their careers. But the economy was struggling and many didn’t have time to come to a campus.
Washington State University responded by launching the state’s first professional science master’s degree in molecular biosciences, offered both online and on campus.
The program began with one student in fall 2010. It now has 17, said Norah McCabe, clinical associate professor of molecular biosciences and director of the PSM program at WSU.
"We are really pleased with the growth,” she said. "The program not only helps place students in employment, but also helps WSU build crucial connections with Washington state businesses.”
That growth is reflected in national numbers, according to 2011 data from the Council of Graduate Schools. Applications to PSM programs increased by 43.5 percent between 2010 and 2011 - from 4,396 applications for fall 2010 to 6,309 for fall 2011 - with 6,088 of those applications for U.S. schools. Total enrollment in PSM programs increased 15.4 percent in that time period.
PSM degrees consist of three components: science course work, professional course work and an internship completed in a workplace.
"The professional course work includes courses in ethics, information literacy, management and business,” McCabe said. "The internship requires students to make contact with business owners, secure an internship position and complete an internship project.”
Chandima Bandaranayaka is WSU’s first on-campus PSM graduate. He turned his internship at Pullman’s VMRD Inc. into a full-time job there as a research and development scientist.
Eleni Alexiou is the first online graduate. She also quickly found a job after graduation.
"I am working full time at Swedish Hospital in Seattle as an FNA tech,” she said. "I love it.”
Contacts:
Norah McCabe, WSU School of Molecular Biosciences, 509-335-1134, nrmccabe@wsu.edu
Richard Miller, Center for Distance and Professional Education, 509-335-5711, millerr@wsu.edu
Norah McCabe, WSU School of Molecular Biosciences, 509-335-1134, nrmccabe@wsu.edu
Richard Miller, Center for Distance and Professional Education, 509-335-5711, millerr@wsu.edu
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