Professional Science Master's Programs The New York-based Alfred P. Sloan Foundation was the first to fund a new breed of master's programs aimed at preparing students for a career in science, mathematics and engineering. These programs are collectively called Professional Science Master's (PSM) programs. There are currently over 120 PSM programs in over 50 institutions with strong graduate programs in the sciences and mathematics. The PSM program initiative is currently being sponsored by the Council of Graduate Schools. Go to www.cgsnet.org for more information. The goal of the Professional Science Master's program initiative is to provide students a mix of courses which provides a skill set tailored to meet the immediate needs of industry. The following guidelines were followed when selecting Professional Science Master's programs:    A program that is two years or close to two years (full-time equivalent) in duration, including internship.    A mix of natural science (or mathematics) characterized by some or all of the following:     - Interdisciplinarity     - Connection with Informatics     - Electives from Ancillary disciplines    Professional training or at least exposure to:     - Business fundamentals     - Finance and marketing     - Project Management     - Communication/team building skills    At least 50 percent of courses at the graduate level in mathematics or natural science.    Seventy-five percent of courses taught by regular full-time university faculty.    Final project or thesis a realistic reflection of the type of problem graduates would likely encounter in a probable job.     - Industry- or faculty-generated     - Individual or Team-produced    Business/Industry internship, or the equivalent.    Some kind of "branding" experience to identify students as "professionals".     - Special orientation programs     - Colloquia across programs where more than one PSM program exists    Active advisory board of business/industry professionals who:     - Provide input and critique the curriculum     - Assist with internships     - Assist with placement     - Assist with the final project, if applicable    Targeted recruitment and admissions process separate from Ph.D. or other M.S. degree admissions.    Commitment to tracking graduates through first five years.    Long-term sustainability.    Willingness to use the name "Professional Science Master's" and the PSM logo on advertising brochures and websites. For more information on Professional Science Master's programs please visit www.sciencemasters.com.