The Illinois Professional Science Master's in
Plant Biology (Biotechnology)
A fusion of SCIENCE and BUSINESS
A Biotechnology Focus: The Professional Science Master's (PSM) in Plant Biology offers a fast-paced path to jobs in biotechnology industries. With interdisciplinary training and studies tailored to individual interests, students integrate business acuity with the top-notch science credentials demanded by a wide array of careers in agriculture, medicine and environmental enterprises.
Innovative. Science PLUS Business. Infused into its distinctive biotechnology curriculum are business essentials and a grasp of the real world demands of industry careers.
Interdisciplinary. In keeping with the needs of today's nonacademic careers, the biotechnology PSM joins the ranks of University of Illinois graduate degrees with a strong reputation for blurring the disciplinary lines. Through courses, industry partnerships and experiential opportunities, the PSM sets its sights on the current technologies and business practices behind a broad range of biotechnology enterprises.
Real world. Through relationships with industry partners and business courses, students are introduced to the world by which scientific discoveries are translated to the commercial realm. Woven together, the science and business elements build developmentally towards the real world experience of a summer internship and subsequent capstone experience.
Closely mentored. With a full-time program coordinator and a small cohort, the PSM offers each student individual mentoring throughout the program to highlight opportunities and to optimally exploit the vast resources available to them at the University of Illinois.
Flexible. Rather than pursuing a prescribed track of study, students tailor their curriculum in consultation with the faculty advisor to address their emerging objectives as they relate to both the scientific disciplines and industry opportunities.
Opportunity. The University of Illinois is home to two science and technology interdisciplinary research institutes, the Beckman Institute and the Institute for Genomic Biology. The PSM students in Plant Biology are offered the charged the charged atmosphere of scientific discoveries for which Illinois is globally recognized. Students are encouraged to do research and to forge the unique skills and credentials gained from direct participation in graduate scientific inquiry. Moreover, Illinois is home to the Research Park, a vibrant, collaborative technology park with 90 companies, which includes the award-winning EnterpriseWorks incubator, the launching pad for over 120 startup companies
Through opportunities both in and outside the classroom, PSM students gain a knowledge base in the biotechnology-related disciplines, build critical thinking skills and enhance leadership and innovation aptitudes that are broadly applicable to their careers.
Grant Hansen; BS May 2011; Molecular and Cellular Biology, Univ. of Illinois
With interests in marketing research and consulting, Grant is following the emerging trends that reveal the "new era of how business decisions are made and new opportunities discovered…I am preparing myself for a long-lasting and much needed trade within the bio-based industry."
∧ topThe result?
Compelling preparation for diverse entry points into enterprises that demand strong science credentials and business acumen in area such as:
Product development and marketing
Government and public relations
Design and implementation of regulatory strategies
Market analysis and feasibility studies
Application of new customer support models
Technology transfer and intellectual property ventures
The 16-month biotechnology PSM program requires the completion of 42 hours of full-time study on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. It is composed of four curricular components:
Science courses. Taught by research professors renown for contributions to their areas of expertise, course topics include plant biochemistry, molecular genetics and biotechnology, bioinformatics and systems biology, biostatistics, growth and development, ecology and global change. Two biotechnology courses were developed specifically for PSM students.
Miranda Morgan BS May 2011; Crop Sciences, Plant Biotech. & Mol. Biology Conc.; Univ. of Illinois
In order to decide whether a bench position or customer relations role is right for her, Miranda is exploring both research on the Illinois campus and a communications and marketing summer internship, using the PSM to "experience both sides first-hand and help make a decision."
Business courses: Developed and taught by professors in the College of Business for technical students, course topics cover the fundamental knowledge and skills essential for managerial and leadership roles in industry, government and nonprofit organizations. To prepare students to enter the business world and function successfully at the interface of science and business, the PSM provides essential business knowledge and builds professional skills in key areas of communication, management and leadership.
Experiential Learning: Embedded within the degree program, an internship experience in either industry or government setting exposes students to opportunities to apply their knowledge in the business environment. Throughout the on-campus semesters, research or equivalent extracurricular experience is strongly encouraged.
Seminar series: Current developments in the sciences are fused with the management responsibilities, entrepreneurial opportunities and ethical issues that relate to trends in the aims and needs of today's industries.
∧ top
∧ topApplying
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2012
Application Instructions
Graduate and Professional Admissions (GPA) manages the online application process. Before you apply, please familiarize yourself with all admission processes and requirements as explained on the GPA Web site. Pay particular attention to information for international applicants if that applies to you.
Brandon Jordan; BS May 2011; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Univ. of Illinois
Citing exploratory motives for choosing a PSM degree, Brandon says, "I needed to answer some key questions for myself regarding what type of career was right for me." He is discovering through the PSM industry partnerships that "...there is a whole other side of science that deals with the practical application of this knowledge."
You will first create an online account and password. Then follow the detailed online "Application Instructions" to complete each section of the application. In the "Applicant Information" section, indicate the Professional Science Master's in Plant Biology. To ensure you are applying to an Illinois PSM program, select "Professional Science Masters" from the "Concentration" drop-down menu.
Your Personal Statement is a critically important part of the application you submit. We look for a clear, logical presentation, not necessarily constrained by any stated word limit while at the same time not burdened with extraneous personal narrative or philosophy. Please help us get to know you by providing explicit information addressing the following questions:
- What are your current interests and goals for a biotechnology career? What has led you to these? What types of professional positions do you envision for yourself?
- Describe your understanding of what a Professional Science Master's degree offers and how you propose to use it to help you build towards your career goals.
- What experience and background do you have that is likely to help you to excel in a PSM program?
Minimum Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in the sciences, which include biology, chemistry or related fields from an accredited US institution or a comparable degree from a recognized institution abroad.
- Grade point average of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and for any graduate work.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 590 or higher (paper-based test) or 243 or higher (computer-based test) for applicants whose native language is not English.
- Letters of Recommendation
∧ topLearn More
∧ topContact Us
For information about the Plant Biology PSM Program, contact Dr. Joan Huber, Program Coordinator, Plant Biology PSM at jlhuber1@illinois.edu or (217) 333-5498. Office: Plant Biology Department, 265 Morrill Hall. For more information about all of the Illinois PSM programs visit: psm.illinois.edu.
Find us on facebook!