Professional Training

The goal of the Professional Science Master's (PSM) degree program at Oregon State University is to produce graduates who can bridge the gap between the worlds of science and business in the workplace. Students develop technical expertise in science as well as skills in communication, an understanding of business processes, and sensitivity to complex ethical issues. Case study projects and a minimum 3-month internship experience in lieu of thesis research highlight the integration of these concepts.

Each student enrolled in a PSM Program at OSU is required to complete approximately 30 credit hours of core curriculum in his or her scientific discipline, 6-12 credits of internship experience, and a series of professional courses (18 credits).

These courses are typically taken in series during the first year of study:

Communication and the Practice of Science (3 credits; offered fall term)
Good communication skills are needed to effectively interact with colleagues across disciplines, market project results, or implement policy based on scientific findings. This course develops a broad range of skills encompassing verbal, written, and visual media styles of communication. Topics include: working in teams and collaborative decision-making; interpersonal and organization communication; writing and making presentations to diverse audiences; negotiation and consensus building; and persuasion and influence in communication. The course is taught in 1½ hour time periods to encourage discussion.

Research Ethics (3 credits; offered winter term)
Navigating through today’s world of merging technologies, business enterprises, and environmental issues is often complex. Using problem-solving methodologies, students examine viewpoints dealing with ethical issues in scientific, business and social settings. Guidelines relating to patent, trademark, copyright, and authorship issues are emphasized as well. The course is taught in 1½ hour time periods to encourage discussion.

Accounting and Finance for Scientists (3 credits; offered fall term)
Students begin to develop their business management intellect by learning about managerial accounting, including cash flow statements, break-even analysis, and investment risks. These skills provide individuals with basic tools required for effective project management and understanding the business end of science. With this knowledge, they will become versatile employees in both the public and private work sectors.

Management and Marketing Scientific Technologies (3 credits; offered winter term)
Students develop project management skills and explore how strategic planning can be impacted by management of people, diversity, conflict and change. Major aspects of marketing will be analyzed under contemporary conditions both within individual enterprises as well as in society. This course will help individuals work with the potential applications of research being conducted.

Innovation Management (3 credits; offered spring term)
Structuring small business enterprises, project planning and management, technology development, and actual commercialization of products and services prepare PSM graduates for leadership roles in the innovation process. Individuals complete a business plan as a term project.

Professional Skills Series (3 credits; offered spring term)
Students work in teams with off-campus mentors to address a contemporary problem in a scientific field within the context of an existing business.  This collaborative project will provide students with opportunities to integrate and apply their collective knowledge of business management, communication, and science to create innovative solutions.  Project management and leadership styles will also be covered.

We anticipate having all of these courses available online by fall 2010. If you are not a PSM student, but would like to enroll in one of more of these courses, they can be taken individually, or you can receive a Graduate Certificate in Professional Management Skills for Scientists for completing all 18 credits (expected approval by fall 2010).