What are employer needs for staff trained in the natural sciences at the master's degree level in the United States? How do master's level professionals in the natural sciences contribute in the workplace? How do master's programs meet or support educational and career goals?

The book considers these and other questions regarding the role of master s education in the natural sciences. It also focuses on U.S. student characteristics and what can be learned from efforts underway to enhance the master s in the natural sciences, particularly as a professional degree.

This book is intended as a tool for the U.S. Congress, the U.S. federal agencies charged with carrying out the America COMPETES Act, and educational and science policy makers at the state level. Additionally, anyone with a stake in the development of professional science education four-year institutions of higher education, students, faculty, and employers may find this book useful.
Committee on Enhancing the Master's Degree in the Natural Sciences, National Research Council, 2008.