What is the goal of the program?

The goal is to prepare scientific and technical students and professionals for applied science work in industry and government. Students, at graduation, will be knowledgeable in their chosen field and able to communicate, negotiate, and engage with colleagues in delivering products, be they for example, government regulations or the results of an intensive research project.

How do I apply?

Submit an Application for Graduate Admission to the College of Arts and Sciences' Graduate Admissions office, along with all of the required documentation such as transcripts, 2 recommendation letters, and GRE scores. See Graduate Admissions for more information on applying.

May I apply for entrance into the program for the second semester?

You may. Just complete the application process as set forth in www.american.edu/cas/admissions.

What kind of students do you seek?

We seek students who love science, but who do not hope to engage only in research, and instead, wish to strive, and thrive, in an industry or governmental agency environment, performing a wide variety of tasks, some scientific, others not.

What are the requirements to enter the PSM program?

Students must have earned a Science bachelor's degree with significant computing courses or experience and an advanced undergraduate knowledge of statistics. Undergraduate grade point average must be at least a 3.0.

How will you describe your PSM graduates?

Students will be able to claim a) a thorough knowledge of science and b) practical knowledge about how business and or government uses science. They will be able to claim flexibility and versatility.

Do I need to take the GRE?

Yes.

Who should prepare letters of recommendation?

Professors, employers, and others who know about your aptitude for and attitude toward applied science. If you have work experience in a technical field, a manager or co-worker would be a good person to ask. Be sure you ask people who have time to send the recommendation in a timely manner.

Is there financial assistance?

Acceptance into the program affirms that it is an investment in a professional career and thus there is no financial assistance. It is possible that in the second year of the program, and possibly the first summer, either on campus or off, employment can be found which supplements PSM learning. AU offers hourly pay for some on-campus employment. U.S. government work-study funds are available to graduate students. The PSM staff is collecting information on sources of grants, fellowships and loans. We are happy to work with you to find financial support.

Will I need to write a thesis?

Students in the PSM program will not write a thesis, but will join an interdisciplinary team for a capstone project of research and reporting on the research.

May I work at the same time as I go to school?

Yes, the PSM program will be offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, with part-time students attending evening classes and summer school.

What if I already have an advanced science degree?

Students with graduate degrees are welcome.

Why do this degree and not just an MBA?

While you will learn about industry and government, such as management styles, project and budget management systems, and how to work in those environments, the PSM is primarily a science-intensive degree that prepares graduates to do applied science in the workplace.

Is there an application fee?

There is a $50 fee for online application and $80 for paper application.

May I transfer from another MA program?

Yes, if you are in an AU program, you can use some of your previous application materials but you'll need to complete an application. Please see us for guidance.

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