Academic Programs

The Professional Master of Science and Technology program is fundamentally a science and mathematics degree; students in the program take appoximately the same number of graduate level science and mathematics courses as traditional M.S. programs require. However, the PMST program is NOT a research degree; students are not required to complete a thesis. Instead of a research requirement, PMST students take courses in other professional domains and skill sets.

The 36 credit hours required for the degree are fulfilled in a four-part framework:

Advanced Quantitative Skills (9 credits)

We want students to be able to use computer, modeling, and statistical tools beyond the level of a black box, all theory and no real-life understanding. Three areas of skills are covered: data analysis, productive computing, and reasoning. Students are required to take a class that fulfills each skill.

Skill	Course Number	Course Title
Data Analysis	MST 6600	Applied Statistical Techniques
Productive Computing (specific course depends on science track)	CS students take: MATH 5740	Mathematical Modeling
	SI students select one of the following courses: PHYS 6720 MATH 5740	Introduction to Computing in Physics Mathematical Modeling
	ES students take: GEO 6340	System Dynamics and Environmental Policy
	Biotech students take either: BIOL 5910 or CHEM 7750	Mathematical Models in Biology Information Processing
Reasoning	MST 6500	Scientific Reasoning and Inquiry

Transferable Skills (9 credits)

The Professional Master of Science and Technology program offers courses that provide students with business and management concepts essential for leading activities in a variety of organizations outside of academia. Various leadership, business, and management skills are packaged into two PMST courses. Students may fulfill the remaining three credits required in the Transferable Skills by taking elective courses within the David Eccles School of Business.

Course Number	Course Title
MST 6010	Business Fundamentals for Scientists
MST 6020	Management Fundamentals for Scientists
Business Electives	(Please contact the PMST Program Director for a list of possible elective courses)

Internship (3 credits)

An essential component of this degree is an internship or cooperative education experience in business, industry, commerce, or government agency. These activities will engage students in real world work situations involving technical problems, team work, communication skills, and decision making.