Professional Science Master's degrees are
designed to produce graduates with in-depth
knowledge of science coupled with strong
business skills. The programs give students
the rigorous science and math of a
traditional graduate science degree at UD,
but also provide courses in business and
project management, communications,
policy and law, and team-building, which are
essential for successful careers in industry.
Brett Friedberg, the first graduate of the
UD P.S.M. in biotechnology, said that the
interdisciplinary nature of the program is
what first attracted him. "I was able to gain
business experience," he said, "without
sacrificing my interest in biology."
Chris Ahmer, a current student in the
biotechnology P.S.M. echoed Friedberg's
thoughts. The opportunity to take the
additional courses through the Alfred Lerner
School of Business and Economics drew him
to the P.S.M. as opposed to a traditional M.S.
program. "I wanted to have more doors open
for me within the science industry," he said.
Friedberg appreciated the flexibility the
biotechnology program offered. "There is a
lot of room to hone in on what you are truly
interested in. It also gives you a chance to
step outside of your comfort zone and take a
class or two that you would otherwise never
get an opportunity to take."
Another advantage, according to Friedberg,
is the internship portion of the P.S.M. degree.
"This program gives you an opportunity to
gain experience in an industrial
environment," he noted. In his internship at
Ashland, Inc., a specialty chemical company,
Friedberg supported the marketing and
communications function for their food,
pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
Friedberg said, "Ashland utilizes an
understanding of chemistry and abundance
of research to help sell its products, and I was
able to apply my strong science background
to the business side of marketing and
communications." A perfect fit for someone
in the P.S.M. program.
"I gained experience in multiple areas that
have allowed me to expand my education
and grow as a person," Friedberg reflected on
his P.S.M. experience. "The coursework was
tough, but gave me an opportunity to
experience and gain knowledge in both
biotechnology and business. Between the
wide variety of coursework and the
internship, the P.S.M. program gave me an
opportunity to meet and work with people
from many different backgrounds. This has
helped me grow in areas that you don't get
from studying a textbook."
