Professional Science Master’s programs combine advanced STEM coursework with essential business skills, creating tomorrow’s workforce in science, technology, and innovation. When you graduate, you earn a PSM-ESS, a degree with official accreditation through the national PSM organization. You can learn more at their website: https://professionalsciencemasters.org/

Learn more about general graduate school application requirements here: https://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/graduate-bulletin/admissions-requirements-procedures/

1. A non-refundable application fee.
2. Unofficial transcripts of all collegiate work completed post-high school. Separate transcripts are required for study abroad if the courses, grades and credits are not recorded on the transcripts of the university that sponsored the study abroad. Note: departments may require official transcripts prior to an offer of admission.
3. Official transcripts before students can register for second semester coursework. If the transcript does not show the degree and date awarded, a diploma must also be submitted.
4. A resume or curriculum vitae.
5. A written statement of purpose.
6. Two letters of recommendation. Applicants cannot submit letters of recommendation. Recommenders will be notified and prompted to provide a recommendation letter through the online system. The letter of recommendation will be automatically processed and submitted to the student’s online file.
7. International students may need to submit English proficiency. More information can be found here.

U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and International Students may submit English proficiency scores directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at Colorado State University, 1062 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062. Scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo or Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic should be submitted with institution code 4075. Photocopies will not be accepted.

• When the CSU graduate degree program is taught in the student’s native language, the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or the PTE Academic requirement will be waived.
• Students are exempted from the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic requirement if the official language of their country is solely English, or if they have recently earned a degree at a university in the United States, or if they have recently earned a degree from a university in a country on the English Language Proficiency Exempt List maintained by the Graduate School as published below.

If you are an international student applying for the PSM, we recommend you visit the International Student FAQ: https://graduateschool.colostate.edu/admissions-resources/toefl-ielts-faqs/

The GRE is not required. The ESS department recommends a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

$60 non-refundable application fee for domestic applicants

$70 non-refundable application fee for international applicants

The university does offer an application fee waiver. Visit this fee waiver request site to see if you qualify: https://gradadmissions.colostate.edu/register/fee_waiver_request

For full consideration of potential financial support, please apply by February 1st.  The department may accept applicants after this date, but those applicants will likely not qualify for scholarships and grants. We recommend you get your application in well before February 1st.

The PSM program’s tuition and fee structures are based on the financial aid cost of attendance, which can be viewed at this website: https://financialaid.colostate.edu/cost-of-attendance/

PSM students pay a Graduate Differential Tuition fee of $1,250/semester which comes directly back to the department to provide students in the program with support.

More information on Diff Tuition:

https://financialaid.colostate.edu/media/sites/38/2023/04/Graduate_Differential_Tuition.pdf

Domestic prospective students are encouraged to apply early so that they can complete a request for financial aid once they are accepted. The deadline for submission of your FAFSA and the CSU Scholarship Application (CSUSA) Financial Aid application is March 1st.

In addition to university-wide scholarships, the Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Department offers several opportunities, including the PSM-specific Chevron Scholarship. You must apply through the CSUSA to qualify for this opportunity.

You can view ESS Scholarships here: https://warnercnr.colostate.edu/ess/ess-undergraduate-degree-tracks/ess-scholarships-fellowships/

The CSUSA can be viewed here: https://financialaid.colostate.edu/csu-scholarship-application-csusa/

 Some students do work part-time while earning their PSM.

We do not recommend working full-time while studying for the PSM. The program is meant to be an 18-month intensive and if you choose to pursue this timeline, your course load will be full. Most classes are only offered during the day, making full-time work a challenge.

There is no thesis required to complete this program – but there is a mandatory 400-hr (4 credit) internship that is often completed over the summer.

This internship is not guaranteed to be a paid internship, but many students do receive a paid internship.

Students in this program have access to our department specific internship coordinator, in addition to WCNR Career services and CSU Career services.

Faculty advisors and the internship coordinator will provide internship placement options and support.

PSM students are assigned a faculty advisor in their specialty. In addition, students have an ESS Academic Success Coordinator who can help guide you.