MS or PSM in Biotechnology?

Some universities offer Professional Science Masters (PSM) in Biotechnology, while most of the universities offer MS in Biotechnology or Master of Biotechnology. Do you want to know which option is right for you?

Masters in Biotechnology

MS in Biotechnology offered by majority of the universities in US. Most of them will  require students to complete 1o to 12 courses. Sometimes it will include projects or thesis. Once you complete the requirements, MS in Biotechnology or Masters in Biotechnology degree will be awarded. Majority of the students don’t check the courses offered and degree requirements before applying for the admission.

PSM in Biotechnology

Biotechnology companies helped to formulate the curriculum for the PSM program. It consist of 70% Biotechnology and 30% Business related course work. For instance, if you are required to take 10 courses to get PSM degree, 7 will be Biotechnology based and 3 will be Business based courses. But, in PSM you will be required to complete 3 months internship program as part of the degree requirements.

MS or PSM – Biotechnology?

If you don’t have work experience, then go for PSM. It’s not because you can study few Management courses, but you get to work as intern for atleast 3 months. Having internship experience will help you find a job after graduation. If you have 1+ years work experience, then PSM or MS will make not big difference.  You can still apply to same job with PSM or MS degree.

Comment from NK

I have got admit from three universities in USA for MS program[biotechnology]. Which among the following universities is the best-
1]Illinois institute of technology-[FOR PSM]
2]California state university – Fresno.[FOR MS]
3]University of Houston Clear Lake[FOR MS]
Ihave been offered PSM as well, so which is a better course, PSM or MS?

Here are few pointers

1. You should have known even before applying about PSM and MS; trying to decide after getting admission shows you haven’t done much work about job prospects and degree requirements. Its good that you are taking initiative to find the answer.
2. There are advantages and disadvantages in all 3 schools
   • IIT @ Chicago – PSM reasons stated above will hold if you don’t have work experience; cold place to live
   • CSU – Fresno – Close to biotech companies in Silicon Valley; but expensive
   • UH – Clear Lake – Cheap, good college, but you have to search for Internship; nice and warm place
3. You have to decide how much money you can afford, if you don’t get aid.
4. My Choice will be UHCL – Its’ cheap compared other choice; you can put 110% effort to search for internship;

You will want to read about Biotechnology Job Search experience of recent MS Biotechnology graduate.

Image Credit – Piet Muesterd

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1. PSM or PhD in Biotechnology US or MBA in India?
2. Interview With Hardeep – I think Biotechnology MS, PSM thing is stupid
3. US Universities for Masters in Biotechnology
4. Flowchart – Masters Degree Course Plan and Path
5. MS in US – 1, 2 or 3 Years?
6. Adi’s Biotechnology Job Search and Interview Experience – Part 1