Concern for the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Programs
AS-2785-07/AA (Rev) - January 18-19, 2007
RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate
of the California State University (CSU) recognize the opportunities for the campuses and its
students that arise from the Professional Science Master’s Programs; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate
CSU urge that individual campuses ensure that all requests of PSM degree programs requiring new
courses and/or programs follow established curriculum review and approval processes; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate
CSU ask the campuses to ensure that all PSM programs be given a degree designation that distinguishes
them from other degree programs within the same discipline; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate
CSU urge all campuses launching PSM programs address the continuing funding of such programs beyond
the initial support offered by temporary grants such as those from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate
CSU request that all PSM programs be developed only in response to a demonstrated need, rather than a
reaction to the immediate availability of funds.
RATIONALE: CSU is the first statewide higher education system in the nation to launch the PSM
Degree program on multiple campuses. An $891,000 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation will enable
the CSU to initiate the program on individual campuses.
CSU plans to launch new PSM programs on individual campuses within the next three years, which will be
implemented in a variety of fields, including: bioinformatics, biostatistics, biotechnology, clinical
project management, computational science, ecological economics, environmental science, and forensics.
PSM programs also include internships, which provide essential industry-based experience and exposure.
Additional support for the initiative has been committed by the CSU, the participating campuses, and
business and industry partners. Long-term institutionalization within the CSU is planned to sustain the
programs.
Currently, there are approximately 100 PSM programs spread across the nation. These programs are increasingly
recognized as the vehicle best suited to prepare scientists and professionals to meet the demands of top employers.
CSU’s PSM programs will be developed in concert with the state’s largest growth industries, such as
biotechnology, medical, and computational sciences, by building on successful models already piloted on
CSU campuses. San Diego State University, a pilot campus, will play a key role in administering the new grant.
The PSM has received substantial interest nationally due to the positive impact it has on local and the national
economies. In fact, proposed new federal legislation—the National Innovation Act— would provide $20 million to
support national PSM programs as an important component in building the nation’s innovation infrastructure.
More information on the Professional Science Master’s Program can be found on the CSU website
(http://www.calstate.edu/psm/).
Approved – March 8-9, 2007 |