There are numerous advantages and benefits of affiliating your PSM program with the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) Professional Science Master’s Initiative:

Promotional Assistance and Branding

• Listing on Sciencemasters.com: CGS is the sole administrator of the well-known sciencemasters.com domain, which averages nearly 4,000 visitors per month. The website features links to affiliated programs broken out alphabetically, regionally, and by field, as well as an interactive locations map, and is the central resource for students interested in applying to a PSM.  
• Use of the PSM Logo: Affiliated programs may use the official PSM logo on their website and have access to all promotional materials. Representing the registered certification mark “PSM,” the PSM logo assures students, employers, academics, policy makers, and others that the program has met quality assurance criteria established by a National Advisory Board. It brands the program as part of the larger PSM initiative.
• Flyers: PSM Programs receive complimentary promotional flyers targeted towards three audiences:  students, employers, and policy makers. Program directors may download these flyers and adapt them to their own programs.
• Joint Recruitment: CGS promotes joint student recruitment by securing exhibit space at appropriate national meetings.

Consultative Meetings

Affiliated members share best practices, and solicit suggestions, through a number of meetings coordinated by CGS:

• CGS Summer Workshop and CGS Annual Meeting Sessions
• Administering the National PSM Advisory Board

Research and Advocacy for the PSM

• Research: CGS conducts research on best practices related to the PSM and posts best practice information on sciencemasters.com.
• Presentations: CGS promotes the PSM through presentations at meeting of appropriate national and regional associations, such as: higher education associations, disciplinary organizations, and minority groups.
• Advocacy: CGS is working to expand the PSM initiative through a number of avenues:
  • Promoting the PSM inside the graduate dean community through national and regional meetings, and promoting the PSM within the higher education committee generally;
  • Working with administrators and faculty at the university and system-wide level to develop new PSM programs;
  • Working with higher education administrators and legislators to develop and enhance PSM programs state-wide;
  • Promoting the PSM within federal government agencies to help assure that employers have access to a STEM workforce educated to support American competitiveness;
  • Advocating for recognition and federal support for the PSM in Washington, D.C., as part of the national competitiveness agenda.

If your program is interested in applying for PSM affiliation, please complete the Application for Affiliation.