Professional Science Master's (PSM) Veterans Initiative

The CSU Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Initiative for Veterans and Active Duty Military recognizes that returning veterans are among the most technologically skilled individuals who will be entering the state’s workforce in the next decade. Approximately 3,000 service members discharged to California each year hold technology-based military jobs. These individuals constitute a promising talent pool for addressing workforce needs in life science fields.

PSM programs are recognized nationally as one of the most effective responses for preparing a professionally skilled 21st century science and technology workforce. The California State University (CSU) has led the nation in developing PSM programs and now has more than a dozen programs in the life sciences. CSU’s commitment to serving veterans and serving California led to the creation of the CSU systemwide PSM initiative in collaboration with the military and industry. Central components of the CSU PSM Veteran’s initiative includes:

- New online certificate programs in high demand fields that prepare former military members to secure a job in the life sciences industry or computational sciences while pursuing additional education.

- Professional Science Master’s programs in such fields as biotechnology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, medical product development, stem cell research, computational sciences, and genetic counseling, with the new online certificates included as part of several of the degree programs.