Transcript Document
PSM @ AU: Lessons Learned PSM = MS in Applied Science 3 tracks: • Applied Computing (Scientific Computing) • Biotechnology • Environmental Science and Assessment History - Prof. Larry Medsker (Physics) - 2003 Sloan Foundation Funding - Advisory Council established - first enrolments in Fall 2004 - first graduations Spring 2006 - first in the Baltimore/Washington area 2 year degree (36 credit hours) • Tool of research = analytical courses (9 credit hours) • Non thesis course work = 6 credit hours in 600-level courses • No thesis • No comprehensive examinations • Compulsory internship • Compulsory capstone research project Rationale: • provide a practical, applied degree with a significant professional skills component which prepares the graduate for employment in their chosen field • not a replacement, or competition, for a traditional research-based Master’s degree • the expectation is that PSM graduates will not go onto further study (PhD’s) • build flexibility and individuality into the degree for each graduate • compulsory internship and capstone project component provide important workplace skills and contacts Multidisciplinary with current course offerings in: Biology Chemistry Computer Science Math/Stat Environmental Studies Students are also encouraged to find classes outside of their elected tracks to provide the necessary professional skills component. Examples include classes in Public Administration, Kogod Business School, School of Communications, School of International Service and the Washington College of Law. Student Demographics: 31 students admitted since 2004 12 students have graduated since spring 2006 7 new admits for the fall 07 semester Ranking: 1. Biotechnology 2. Environmental Science and Assessment 3. Applied Computing Female = ~65%, F/T employed = ~70% Lessons: - Evolve - Diversify - Stay flexible - Find your niche Evolution Don’t be afraid to evolve! -Change with a changing student demographic -Change with a changing workplace - Change with a changing campus Diversity Students, like life itself, need diversity - Diversity of course offerings - Diversity of professional skills electives - Diversity of capstone projects - Diversity of internship opportunities Flexibility Be nimble & flexible to survive - be flexible at the program level - be flexible at the discipline level - be flexible at the individual level Specialization Find your niche to evade predation & competition - “ideal” versus “realized” niche - explore new niches - interact with your “ecosystem” Future: survive, thrive, adapt & evolve • Increase enrolments • Evolve courses to accommodate changing enrolments • Increase, and formalize, professional skills component • Extend course options to more parts of AU’s campus • Develop new internship & capstone opportunities • Expand and evolve advisory council members & interaction with industry/market A PSM student