Applied Biosciences

Starting Spring 2024, the degree type will change from a Professional Science Master to a Master of Science (M.S.). No other changes are being made to the program. The program curriculum and structure will remain the same and the program will maintain its affiliation with the National Professional Science Master's Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kansas State University making the change from the PSM to M.S. degree type?
The degree type is changing to one that we believe is more familiar to prospective students and employers in animal health, food safety and food security.

What significant changes are being made to the program?
The name will change from Professional Science Master in Applied Biosciences to Master of Science in Applied Biosciences.

When will the change be effective?
The change will be effective in Spring 2024.

Who is eligible to switch to the new degree type?
Current students in the program.

How do students switch to the new degree type?
Just by letting us know. Current students who want to change their degree type the Master of Science should contact Caelee Lehman, academic program coordinator, no later than Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

Will students need a new program of study if they switch over?
No, if a student already has a program of study on file then no new program of study is needed to change the degree type on the student's record.

This degree opens doors for managerial and supervisory roles in laboratories, research units, business and also governmental and nonprofit organizations. Positions include as lab manager or director of quality assurance and mid- to senior-level scientific or technical positions, such as project manager.

Fields graduate work in include:

• Animal health
• Food science
• Consumer science
• Biomedical sciences
• Informatics and technology
• Engineering
• Communications
• Public policy
• Business

• Practical, real-world application and in-demand business skills for career advancement.
• Cross-disciplinary education
• Science-related courses that focus on animal health and food safety and security. Content areas include:
  • Animal science
  • Food science
  • Horticulture
  • Consumer science
  • Veterinary biomedical sciences
  • Leadership
  • Management
• Core competencies you'll learn:
  • Interpreting and applying data
  • Managing ambiguity
  • Project management
  • Building effective teams
  • Complex problem-solving
• Short completion time. It typically takes two years to earn a degree.
• Access to the industry mentor program. PSM students also have the opportunity to have a faculty mentor and, for those doing an internship, an internship mentor, arranged through their academic advisor.

All students who wish to earn the Professional Science Master's (PSM) in Applied Biosciences are required to take AAI 858, Capstone Experience I and AAI 859, Capstone Experience II. The capstone courses provide the foundation for the PSM program's assessment of student learning outcomes. Faculty evaluate each student’s capstone project proposal in AAI 858, Capstone Experience I, and each student's capstone project presentation in AAI 859, Capstone Experience II, in order to determine if the student has met the PSM program's student learning outcomes.

PSM in Applied Biosciences Degree Program Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of one or more relevant STEM fields.
2. Demonstrate graduate level oral and written communication skills in a professional STEM environment.
3. At an advanced level, effectively analyze quantitative data for use across multiple science disciplines.
4. Synthesize information from multiple disciplines in order to accurately identify problems.
5. Synthesize information from multiple disciplines in order to develop innovation solutions.

Courses and Assignments Used to Assess SLOs

1. AAI 858, Capstone Experience I, Capstone Project Proposal

2. AAI 859, Capstone Experience II, Capstone Project Presentation (Poster required/PowerPoint also often required by Major Professor)

Tailor the curriculum to fit your career goals with the program's vast course catalog. Regardless of degree track, your curriculum will consist of 15 credit hours of STEM skills, 9 credit hours of professional skills and 6 credits hours of core requirements.

See course offerings

There are two academic tracks within this program. You’ll be asked to declare a track at the time of admission. Each track is 12 credit hours within the total 30 credit hour program.

Animal Health Track

Food Safety and Security Track

Further your knowledge — and resume — with stackable credentials in the form of two graduate certificates. Both certificates plus a capstone experience can be completed while earning your degree.

Professional Interdisciplinary Sciences Graduate Certificate

Professional Skills for STEM Practitioners Graduate Certificate

Students who live in Johnson County and who are applying to this program or one of its certificate programs may be eligible for a Johnson County resident scholarship.

These scholarships for Johnson County residents are sponsored by the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle, or JCERT. Scholarship awards are based on availability of funds. Applicants may be awarded up to $5,000 for the duration of their program of study, provided they meet minimum academic and enrollment requirements. Scholarship amounts vary depending on fund availability, merit and need.

Eligibility details:

• Applicant must be a resident of Johnson County, Kansas. Proof of residency will be required.
• Applicants must be resident at K-State Olathe and admitted to or seeking admission to the following JCERT mission-related programs:
  • Applied Biosciences (master's degree)
  • Professional Interdisciplinary Sciences (certificate)
  • Professional Skills for STEM Practitioners (certificate)

Apply for a Johnson County resident scholarship.

View all scholarships available at K-State Olathe.