Campus-based and online masters programs make managers out of scientists

Campus-based and online masters programs make managers out of scientists

Due to the increasing demand for scientific professionals with managerial skills, many campus-based and online colleges are launching new courses of study that could lead these individuals out of the lab and into the boardroom.

For instance, Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently launched a masters program in advanced fuel and energy management, which will integrate energy expertise classes with business teachings.

This program is intended to help recent college graduates and mid-career professionals launch administrative careers in the science, technology, engineering and agriculture fields. The curriculum will teach students to apply the theoretical elements of energy and power to real-world management issues.

In addition to science-related courses, degree seekers will take classes on business-related topics, such as managerial and organizational behavior, managerial accounting as well as project management. Students will also complete a capstone internship toward the end of the one-year degree program.

Similar courses of study could help graduates become engineering or natural sciences managers, as the career prospects for these individuals are slated to increase by 8 percent of the next eight years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By Stefanie Hughes