The University of Arizona

Graduate Programs
  • By College
    • College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
    • College of Applied Science and Technology
    • College of Architecture, Planning & Landscape Architecture
    • College of Education
    • College of Engineering
    • College of Fine Arts
    • College of Humanities
    • College of Law
    • College of Medicine, Phoenix
    • College of Medicine, Tucson
    • College of Nursing
    • College of Public Health
    • College of Science
    • College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
    • Eller College of Management
    • Graduate College/GIDP
    • James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences
    • R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy
  • By Degree
    • Certificate
    • Doctorate
    • Masters
    • Masters (Accelerated)
    • Minor
  • By Campus
    • Arizona International Direct - Online
    • Arizona International Microcampus - Ajman - Gulf Medical Univ
    • Arizona International Microcampus - Amman - PSUT
    • Arizona International Microcampus - Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
    • Arizona International Microcampus - Lima - UPC
    • Arizona International Microcampus - Online
    • Arizona International Microcampus - Shenzhen Finance Institute
    • Arizona International Microcampus - Tianjin - Hebei Univ of Tech
    • Arizona Online - Online
    • Community Campus - Community Campus- Outreach
    • Distance Campus - Chandler
    • Distance Campus - Desert Vista
    • Distance Campus - Distance
    • Distance Campus - Douglas
    • Distance Campus - Flowing Wells
    • Distance Campus - Gilbert
    • Distance Campus - Nogales
    • Distance Campus - North Valley-Paradise Valley
    • Distance Campus - Yuma
    • Phoenix Campus - Phoenix
    • Southern Arizona - Desert Vista
    • Southern Arizona - Sierra Vista
    • University of Arizona - Main - Oro Valley
    • University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
  • Other Information
    • Request More Information
    • Apply to a Program
    • Dual Degree Programs
    • Online Programs
  • APPLY NOW

Program Details

Graduate Program: Applied Biosciences (PSM)

General Information

Request Information
Program/Degree
Applied Biosciences (PSM)  
Program Description

The Applied Biosciences program awards a Professional Science Masters degree that is designed to prepare students to enter a competitive, scientific workforce. The Applied Biosciences program consists of foundational and practical training in various areas of applied biosciences and along with a professional component that includes internships and "cross-training" in workplace skills, such as business, communications, and regulatory affairs. During the two-year course of study, students will gain a strong understanding of the applications of the biological sciences to real world problems, including those faced by public institutions and private industry.

 
Department/Academic Unit(s)

Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs

The Graduate College sponsors several Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) in addition to the many interdisciplinary possibilities available through regular graduate degree programs. GIDPs transcend departmental boundaries by facilitating cutting edge teaching and research at the nexus of traditional disciplines. The high value placed on interdisciplinary research and education is indicative of The University of Arizona's enthusiasm and commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among its faculty and students.

 

 
College

Graduate College/GIDP

 
Campus where offered

University of Arizona - Main - Tucson

 
Contacts
Admissions Contact
Jennifer Shim
520-626-9111
Graduate Program Coordinator
Jennifer Shim
520-626-9111
Director of Graduate Studies
Nafees Ahmad
520-626-7022
Joel L Cuello
520-621-7757
Istvan Molnar
520-621-9932
Murat Kacira
520-626-4254
Sadhana Ravishankar
520-626-1499
Ryan N Gutenkunst
520-626-0569
Michael D L Johnson
520-626-3779
Graduate College Degree Counselor
Hayley Jean Kral
520-621-3484
 
Tuition and Fees
Please refer to the UA Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator for up-to-date information about tuition and fees. 
Please refer to the UA Registrar's's Office Special Course Fees for up-to-date information about special course fees. 

Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

Students should apply directly to the specific track in the program they wish to pursue. The application should be submitted online (only) via the Graduate College Graduate Admissions Application website (https://apply.grad.arizona.edu/users/login). Be prepared to submit the following materials:

  • All transcripts (official versions must be sent to the Graduate College)
  • GRE scores (not required)
  • Proof of English proficiency is required for any international applicant born in a country where English is not the official language. 
    Acceptable English Proficiency Credentials can be found at:
    https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/requirements/international-applicants#english-proficiency

  • GPA for all undergraduate (and graduate) work
  • A one-page statement of interests, which outlines your background (including any professional experience), your professional goals and why you are a strong candidate for the program
  • At least 2 letters of recommendation, preferably from course professors and/or research directors
  • Up to 12 units of graduate level coursework may be transferred into the Applied Biosciences PSM program/degree. This includes units earned as a non-degree graduate student and other graduate level work competed at other institutions. See the UA Graduate College policies for transfer credit.
 
Standardized Tests
  • Recommended tests

Recommended GRE Subject tests: general test only
Minimum GRE Verbal:  130-170, in 1 point increments
Minimum GRE Quantitative:  130-170, in 1 point increments
Minumum GRE Written: 0-6, half point increments
Minimum TOEFL: 79 internet based (iBT) or 550 paper based (PB) or
Minimum IELTS: 7 (no subject area below 6)

 
Funding Opportunities

There is no funding support directly available from this program. 

 
Admissions Deadlines

Domestic Applicants:

  • Fall: March 31
  • Spring: August 31

International Applicants:

  • Fall: March 31
  • Spring: August 31
 
International Conditional Admission

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.

Other Information
The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832

Completion Requirements

Minimum Credit Units

36 

Core Coursework Requirements

The degree in Professional Science Master's in Applied Biosciences is designed specifically to prepare students to competitively enter the scientific workforce. During the two-year course of study, students will gain a strong understanding of the applications of the biological sciences to real world problems, including those faced by public institutions and private industry. A minimum of 36 unit hours is needed for this degree; 6-9 of these units are for the research internship and report. Students have a maximum of 6 years to complete the degree. Students may apply for, and be admitted to, any of the 4 tracks (“sub-plans”). Each track has its own specific core requirements and electives.

Applied Biosciences Tracks:

  • Controlled Environment Agriculture
  • Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences
  • Industrial Microbial Biotechnology
  • Medical Microbiology and Immunology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Sustainable Bioeconomy and Bioenergy 

Curriculum

All Tracks have the following general structure. The number of units per category varies depending upon the track.

Science Module .................................................... 15 units

Professional Preparation Module ..............................12 units

Internship Module (includes final report)....................6-9 units

                                                           Total:           36 Units

Requirements for Core Coursework in the Science Module:

  • Listed in the descriptions for the individual Tracks (Concentration Areas).

Requirements for Core Coursework in the Internship Module:

Core Coursework for the Internship Module (9 units minimum)

ABS 593A, Internship, 8 units, minimum required grade S or P

ABS 909, Master’s Report, 1 unit, minimum required grade S or P

Requirements for Core Coursework in the Professional Preparation Module:

Core Coursework for the Professional Preparation Module (2 units minimum)

BE 501, Research Methods in Biosystems Engineering, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

CBIO 595D, Scientific Writing, Presentations and Bioethics, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENVS 508, Scientific Writing for Environmental, Agricultural and Life Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MSE 502, Research Proposal Preparation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

OPTI 597B, Technical writing and communication, minimum required grade A or B

Minimum GPA in Core coursework: 3.0

 
Elective Coursework

Requirements for Elective Coursework for the Science Module:

  • Listed in the descriptions for the individual Tracks (Concentration Areas).

Requirements for Elective Coursework for the Professional Preparation Module:

Elective Coursework for the Professional Preparation Module (Choose 9 to 10 units to reach a total of 12 units for the Module)

ACBS 568A  Bioeconomy, Marketing and Business Principles, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ACBS 568 B Bioeconomy, Marketing and Business Principles II,   3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ACBS 571  Risk Assessment, Management and Communication, 3 units,   minimum required grade A or B

ABE 552 Globalization, Sustainability Innovation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ACCT 521  Business Law for Accountants, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 509 Team Organizational Leadership, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 510  Entrepreneurial Leadership in Agriculture and the Life Sciences 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 511  Principles and Application of Organizational Development, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 522, Communicating Knowledge in Agriculture and Life Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

AREC 550  Financial Management for Agribusiness, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BIOS 675  Clinical Trials and Intervention Studies               3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BNAD 597B  Advanced Consulting Projects, 3-4 units, minimum required grade A or B

CBIO 597C  Grant Writing for Graduate Students, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

CTS 595C  Responsible Conduct of Research, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

ECON 578  Energy, the Environment, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

EHS 575   Environmental and Occupational Health, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENGR 512A   Management of Technology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENGR 514   Law for Engineers/Scientists,  3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 506  Introduction to Entrepreneurship, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 515  Strategic Planning , 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 548  Healthcare Entrepreneurship, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 557 Project Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 581A Assessing Early Stage Medical Technologies for Commercialization, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

GRAD 595D Regulatory Issues in Laboratory Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 521  Scientific Grantsmanship,  2 units, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 695D Regulatory Science, 1 unit, minimum required grade  A or B

LAW 576A Drug, Discovery, Development and Marketing Obligations, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 578A  Legal and Regulatory Aspects for Health Care Delivery, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 589A  Regulatory Science Case Study Project, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MCB 695E Science, Society, and Ethics,  1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

MGMT 535  International Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MGMT 538  Health Organization and Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MGMT 563 Doing Business In/With Africa, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MIS 506  Healthcare Information Systems, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MIS 578  Project Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MKTG 510  Marketing-Based Management, 2 units, A or B

MSE 502, Research Proposal Preparation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PCOL 584  Fundamentals in Industrial and Environmental Health, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 506  Economic Foundations for Health Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 562  Health Services Administration, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 569  Fundamentals of Health Budgeting and Financial Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 574  Public Health Policy and Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHSC 513  Health Technology Assessment, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

SIE 515  Technical Sales and Marketing, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

SIE 567  Financial Modeling for Innovation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

SLHS 649 Survival Skills and Ethics, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

Minimum GPA in Elective coursework: 3.0

 

 
Additional Requirements

Students need to do an oral presentation and submit a written report of the internship

See our Student Handbook for detailed information: https://abs.arizona.edu/current-students/student-handbook

 
Student Handbook

Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.

 

Program StatisticsInformation about these numbers

Program-level Information
Application Acceptance Rate 72.58%
Avg. Time-to-degree (years) 2.09
 
Department-level Information
Enrollment Percent Male 33.33%
Enrollment Percent Female 66.67%
Enrollment Percent International 30%
Enrollment Percent URM 33.33%

Back to statistics
  • All application, admit, and enrollment data are from Fall 2022.
  • Average Time to Degree calculates how long graduates in the last 5 years (2018-2022) took to complete their degrees, counting back to the first semester entering their program.
  • Underrepresented Minorities (URM) includes domestic students of ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education: African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders.

Persistent link: https://grad.arizona.edu/catalog/programinfo/ABSPSM
Last revised 02 Dec 2022
The University of Arizona Graduate College
  • Graduate Catalog & Programs of Study
  • Graduate Admissions
  • Graduate Student Academic Services
  • Funding Resources
  • The Graduate Center
  • Policies
  • GradApp (Future Students)
  • GradPath (Current Students)
  • Toolkits
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
All content © 2013 - 2023 Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona
Arizona's Commitment to Equity
University Information Security & Privacy