Professional STEM Master's Programs
A 33 credit career-focused professional STEM master's degree
while building industry experience and connections
The University of Connecticut offers both full-time and part-time Professional STEM Master's degree programs designed to provide students with a comprehensive education to prepare students for a scientific career in industry, government, or the non-profit sector. Students can choose one of three programs: Applied Genomics, Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology, or Applied Microbial Systems Analysis. All students are required to complete a minimum of a ten-week internship. MCB PSM programs are eligible for F-1 and J-1 visa sponsorship and are STEM OPT approved programs.
Why a professional STEM master’s degree? Shorter time to degree than a Ph.D. with similar median weekly pay and lowest unemployment rates of any degree according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).
- New Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity – Cech Fellows ProgramHoward Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has launched the Cech Fellows Program, which is a new Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program designed to support rising juniors and seniors who are eager to deepen their engagement in authentic research experiences. Cech Fellows are placed in HHMI laboratories across the US for a 9-week period in the summer, […]
Degree Options
Applied Genomics
Provides students with comprehensive training in molecular biology and genomics, including the rapidly developing areas of next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, laboratory automation, and advanced tissue/cell culture. Graduates of this program frequently find employment in industries utilizing genomic and genetic approaches, including pharmaceutical companies and diagnostic labs, as well as academic research laboratories.
CONTACT:
Dr. Charles Giardina
860-486-0089
charles.giardina@uconn.edu
Applied Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Provides students with comprehensive skills in Biochemistry and Cell Biology by training students in cell culture, protein characterization, ligand binding, assay development, and microscopy and imaging techniques. Graduates work in industries that utilize biochemical and cell biological approaches, including research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, research instrument manufacturers, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering companies, as well as regulatory agencies dealing with public health concerns or in an advisory capacity to judicial or legislative bodies dealing with relevant patent law.
CONTACT:
Dr. Victoria Robinson
860-486-4353
victoria.robinson@uconn.edu
Applied Microbial Systems Analysis
Provides students with comprehensive training in microbiology, including microbial genomics and genetics, microbiome sciences, food microbiology, and public health, using next-gen sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, automated liquid handling, and advanced cultivation techniques. Graduates of this program find employment in research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic companies, as well as in regulatory agencies and federal or state agencies.
CONTACT:
Dr. Spencer Nyholm
860-486-4886
spencer.nyholm@uconn.edu
ADMISSION DEADLINES: Fall Admission - May 15th | Spring Admission - October 1st | Summer Admission - March 15th
