Questions

Who is eligible?

 

The program is open to graduate students in Natural Science Interdisciplinary, Geography, Geology, Chemistry and Physics.  U.S. and international students are eligible to participate in the program.

Why a Professional Science Master’s?

 

The Professional Science Master’s Program at UB is a combination of a science graduate degree and an advanced certificate in Professional Science Management. In today’s world, graduates need to be as competitive as possible; developing an edge on others who will be competing with you for the same employment positions and/or promotion.  The PSM offers students that edge through:

 

Interdisciplinary Specialization:  Participants can choose between levels of specialization:  Computational Chemistry, Molecular Chemical Biology, Environmental Geographic Information Systems or Biophysics.

Work Experience:  As part of the curriculum, students are required to complete an Internship or a project lab experience.

Upon graduation, students receive two credentials: (1) A graduate level degree from their home department; and, (2) An advanced graduate certificate in Professional Science Management.

ADMISSION QUESTIONS:

 

Students apply to and enroll in a “home department” graduate degree program, where they receive their science training. (Currently participating departments are: Chemistry, Geography, Geology and Physics.) In addition, students would simultaneously apply to and enroll in the Professional Science Management Advanced Certificate Program to receive additional training in computation, business, and ethics – as well as complete a semester-long internship.

Upon graduation, students receive two credentials: (1) A graduate level degree from their home department; and, (2) An advanced graduate certificate in Professional Science Management.

To apply, you must apply to both a HOME DEPARTMENT and the ADVANCED CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE MANAGEMENT!

All applications must be completed online, using GRADMIT.  

Domestic Students: When applying to the certificate program, domestic students need to provide their official transcripts, a resume and GRE scores.

International Students: When applying to the certificate program, international students need to provide their official transcripts, a resume, GRE and TOEFL scores, a copy of their current I-20, and current financial forms, including an original bank statement.

Questions Regarding Applications:

If you have questions about your home department science degree, applying to a home department, or an application submitted – please contact your home department directly.

If you have questions about an advanced certificate in Professional Science Management, your application to the certificate program, or on how to apply for the certificate – please contact contact us .

 

Deadline for Submission:

 

Home department deadlines vary; contact them directly for deadline information. Certificate applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  Students can begin the program in either the spring or fall semesters.   

For more information, contact us.

 

INTERNSHIP QUESTIONS :

A semester long internship is required for the certificate program. It is the students’ responsibility to secure his/her internship. Students may complete internships during the fall, spring or summer and must work a minimum of 120 hours to meet the program requirements. The start date and end date of your internship is flexible and can be adjusted to meet individual schedules. Work times and rates of pay are negotiated between the student and employer.

Steps in Securing an Internship Placement:

 

Step 1: 6-12 months before you need a placement:

 

Contact University at Buffalo Career Services at 716-645-2231 and tell them you are a student in the Department of Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Physics, etc…and that you would like someone to (1) Review your resume and cover letter; (2) You’d like to set up a mock interview; (3) You’d like more information on how to search for available internships in your field. You can find a sample cover letter below, that can be tweaked to include your skill sets and job requirements.

Talk with your home department advisor about the industry you’d like to work in and ask if s/he has any industry contacts to help secure your internship. Some faculty have such contacts, others do not. Your advisor is a potential resource to you but it is NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO SECURE YOUR INTERNSHIP: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. In addition, departments typically receive job postings or internship postings. Ask your advisor or the department administrator where these postings are listed and/or ask to be added to the e-mail list.

Now that you know where to look for internship opportunities and you have finalized your resume, you’re ready to start applying.

Resources for Internship/Job Searches:

 

Step 2: 6 months before you need a placement:

Start to send out your resume and cover letter to the companies you’ve identified.  You should send out SEVERAL resumes. Network as much as you can at student clubs, lectures, meetings etc. Tell people you are looking for an internship opportunity.

Step 3: Interviewing: 2-6 months before you need a placement:

 

Set up your interview for a mutually agreed upon time. When the employer contacts you to set up the interview, make sure you verify time, day and place of interview. Also ask them who you will be interviewing with. Some employers have more than one person interviewing you.

How to prepare for your interview:

You should prepare for your interview by visiting the company web site and learning about what the company does, their mission statement and who they serve. While no one expects you to be an expert on the company, they do expect you to know something about them. You can also visit www.hoovers.com which gives basic information about companies that you may not find on the company web site.

How to dress for your interview:

Depending on the job you’re applying for you should wear anything from business casual to business dress attire.

What to bring to your interview:

You should always bring a copy of your resume and three professional references with full contact information (Name, Title, Address, Telephone, E-mail). Professional references mean you’ve worked with the person in the past. Examples might be your advisor, a former supervisor, a former/current colleague. Professional reference is not your best friend or your aunt/uncle. Those are personal references. If you choose, you may also (in addition to three professional references) include one or two personal references. Bring a pen with you to your interview, with a pad of paper so you can jot down notes if needed. You may also want to prepare one or two questions about the company or the position to ask the potential employer. Your first interview is not the place to discuss starting salary, time off or other benefits, UNLESS THE EMPOYER BRINGS IT UP.

How to negotiate your starting pay and hours:

 

Since this is an internship position, the employer may not have a lot of flexibility on salary. Most internships pay students $10-14/hour. Some pay more, some pay less. It’s up to you what you accept. However, it’s important to be reasonable in your expectations. Again, since this is an internship, your hours will most likely be more flexible than a regular employee. You should discuss start date, hours and rate of pay once an offer has been made. Think carefully about the terms you accept, because you will be accepted to stick by them.

Step 4: Starting your internship

 

Once you’ve secured your internship placement, you’ll need to give your advisor a completed Internship Contract, complete with onsite supervisor name and contact information. You will need to give your on-site supervisor a blank Internship Evaluation Form that they’ll need to complete and return to your advisor prior to the end of the semester. Your advisor will grade you on your internship (based on your supervisor’s evaluation of your performance and any final paper/project your advisor requires). You should ask your advisor if s/he requires any final paper on your internship experience and what the requirements and deadline for that paper are.

If you run into any problems in your internship, you should contact your advisor.

What if my employer wants me to work past my original end date?

That is between you and your employer. Some students do their internship over the summer on a full time schedule and then continue to work during the academic year at a reduced (half-time) schedule. As long as this doesn’t interfere with your thesis work (for those working on a thesis), then this should be fine.

What if my internship employer offers me a full time job?

If you like working there and you can negotiate your schedule through your final semesters, feel free to negotiate the terms of permanent employment.

What if my internship employer does not offer me a full time job?

In your last semester you should be looking for a full time job if you intend to enter the career force after graduation. If your internship employer does not offer you a full time job as a result of your internship, you should ask if you can use them as a professional reference. If they were happy with your work, you should ask them if they know anyone who might be hiring permanent employees.

Step 5: Ending your internship and looking for a permanent job: Last semester before graduation:

 

In your last semester before graduation, you should start to look for permanent employment. Following the steps you used during your internship search is a good start. Make sure to participate in any networking opportunities (student clubs, talk with speakers, talk to alumni, etc.).

Students need to complete an employer internship evaluation form and submit it to their advisor.

 

PORTFOLIO INFORMATION :

PSM students are required to compile a set of materials that summarizes and displays his or her knowledge, skills, and problem-solving capabilities in the field of their home department.  The portfolio emphasizes the student’s broad competencies.  In addition, the portfolio highlights the student’s ability to design, manage, operate, and report on a project or projects, as both technical and project management skills are typically required for science managers.  The portfolio can be part of a student’s application package when he or she is seeking professional employment.  The portfolio should also maintain a research component because the student will develop research projects and write research papers in selected courses. This work will provide the student with the necessary research experience and allow the student to develop a balanced intellectual growth both in practical skills and in critical thinking.

The portfolio must contain the following items, along with any other related documents:

  • A statement of education and professional goals achieved and perceived (2 pages);
  •  A resume (2 pages); and,
  • A primary research paper.  The paper should include the basic elements of a research paper such as introduction, literature review, analysis, results and discussion, and conclusions.

 

Examples of other documents to include in your portfolio are:

  • Grant proposals;
  • Class projects/papers;
  • Internship report; and
  • Conference papers

 

Rules Governing Portfolio Creation: 

The materials in the portfolio must be physically assembled in a manner that achieves a professional appearance.  All elements within each required item must be organized cohesively and be self-explanatory.  Although the paper and application study may be initially developed in courses, it is anticipated that further revisions will usually be required in order to ensure the quality of the portfolio at a level satisfactory for graduation.  Both hard copy and digital copy must be submitted to your advisor (with a copy to the home department office). 

The major advisor is responsible for helping you select courses appropriate for the completion of your portfolio.  This should be part of the planning in the advisement period prior to the first semester of class work.  Upon completion of the portfolio the student’s advisor and a second reader must evaluate the work, and if it is satisfactory, they will approve the portfolio and submit an M[multipurpose]-form to the Graduate School granting permission for the student to graduate. 

 

 

FORMS :

International Admission Financial Form

Exit survey

Internship contract

Internship evaluation (advisor)

Program of study form