Professional Science Master’s (PSM)
The College of ACES offers Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in two programs that frequently collaborate with the FSHN Pilot Processing Plant: Food Science & Human Nutrition and Bioprocessing & Bioenergy. The PSM is a non-thesis Master of Science on-campus program. In addition to receiving training and coursework in their respective fields of study, students gain relevant professional experience in business and related topics through coursework and an internship.
Many students enrolled in either PSM program seek on-campus experience, which can also be found at FSHN Pilot Processing Plant or its sister facility, the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory.
Degree Requirements
The Professional Science Master’s program is built around four integrated learning components:
- Science – 32 hours in a specific field of study; this is the core of the program
- Business – 10 hours in essential business knowledge and skills
- Industry seminar series – weekly discussion of business concepts and examination of current and emerging business issues, often including interaction with business experts
- Internship – hands-on work experience to support your personal and professional goals
The PSM degree is a full-time, on-campus program which is completed in 16 months (three semesters and one summer term). A thesis is not required.
Admission Information
Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree in a recognized field of biological, physical, agricultural, socio-economic, or engineering science. Additional admission requirements for the Food Science and Human Nutrition PSM or the Bioprocessing and Bioenergy PSM and can be found on the Illinois Professional Science Master’s website.
For more admission questions and to submit transcripts or letters of recommendation visit the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate College website.
The International Student and Scholar Services will provide additional information for International Student applicants.
For additional questions about the Food Science & Human Nutrition PSM, please contact Nicki Engeseth at engeseth@illinois.edu. For additional questions about the Bioprocessing & Bioenergy PSM, please contact Beth Conerty at bconerty@illinois.edu.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance in the form of full or partial waiver of tuition and fees is NOT available to PSM students. Students are responsible for securing adequate funds to pay tuition, fees, living expenses, and all other costs. Please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.
University of Illinois | Graduate College | Illinois Professional Science Master’s