Applied Biosciences

Professional science master's degree graduates have certain career advantages.

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

Additionally, employers in Greater Kansas City are seeking employees with the education and skill sets taught in this program.

• 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, 12 credit hours of professional skills and 3 credit hours in the capstone experience.

Course catalog

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