The California State University (CSU) system is exploring the feasibility of implementing a new class of master's degrees systemwide, in a bid to boost the state's science and technology workforce. Professional science master's (PSM) degree programs have been steadily growing nationwide over the past decade, but this is the first time a state university has considered implementing the programs on a systemwide basis.
PSM programs differ from typical science master's degree programs in that they attempt to better prepare students for employment in the business environment, usually by incorporating business coursework into a more traditional science curriculum. The programs are generally open to bachelor's degree holders in the sciences, mathematics, or engineering. These programs consist of two years of training in an emerging or interdisciplinary area. Many include internships and "cross-training" in business and communications.The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation initiated a program in 1997 to promote development of these programs, and has since provided over $12 million in seed grants at programs throughout the country. Today, largely as a result of the Sloan initiative, PSM degrees are offered in at least 45 institutions around the country, including UC Los Angeles, the University of Southern California, Stanford University, CSU Fresno, and the Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences. Subject areas range from biosciences management to physics for business applications. However, these programs are not numerous or large enough to produce a significant number of graduates yet _ only 400 PSM graduates have been produced nationwide since 2000 (compared to over 24,000 S&E master's degrees issued during the same period in California alone).
"California's shortage of qualified science and technology graduates has been well documented by CCST and is an ongoing concern for the California State University System," said CSU Chancellor Charles Reed in a letter to CCST. "All the components of California's higher education system need to take steps to enhance the quality and quantity of the science and technology graduates we contribute to California's workforce. As the state's largest four-year university system, we take this responsibility seriously."
Chancellor Reed has requested that CCST assist a consortium of 15 CSU campuses which has obtained a planning grant from the Sloan Foundation to establish whether and how PSM programs could be established in participating campuses. This marks the first time the Sloan Foundation has considered investing in programs throughout an entire university system. In order for the programs to be viable, however, the CSU system will also need to provide support. To date, there has been no federal support for PSM programs or PSM students.
California is considered an attractive venue to consider such a program because it has, and continues to attract, emerging high-tech industries, as well as established industries in environmental measurement and regulation and water resources and regulation in both the public and private sectors.
CCST, as an independent organization, has been asked to conduct an industry needs analysis for the CSU effort. This project will aim to clarify the needs and perspectives of employers relevant to employees with PSM degrees. In order to gain an effective assessment of industry, public sector, and law enforcement demand, CCST will be conducting a series of meetings with a range of representatives throughout the state. It is also conducting a regional economic analysis to support the industry cluster hearings, identifying industry clusters which appear to be related or which might serve as statewide markets for PSM students and graduates. Using these data as a starting point, CCST is convening high-level industry representatives with the assistance of regional industry organizations such as the Bay Area Economic Forum to discuss the proposed degree programs and gain a snapshot of relevant industry needs and interests. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2004.
"I know the value that CCST has demonstrated for all California higher education systems, and that CCST is capable of producing an analysis that the CSU can stand behind," said Reed.
