Professional Science Masters Program in Applied Physics

The Professional Science Masters Program, with a specialization in Applied Physics, combines a physics curriculum with training in business management and communications. Enrollment in Professional MS degrees is rapidly growing across the country as graduates are sought after by high tech businesses. All graduates from the PSM Applied Physics program at OSU are now using their physics and business skills in well-paid industry positions.

The following profiles tell the stories of four recent graduates from the Applied Physics specialization. For information about the Applied Physics curruculum and internships, visit PSM Applied Physics. Applied Physics PSM students go through the program with a cohort from other specializations. For more information about the broader OSU Professional Science Masters program, visit the program's central website.

Lisa Eccles (2006):

Lisa received her B.S. in Physics at Linfield College. After coming to OSU, she first explored the Ph.D. program, then decided that the PSM program would better serve her career goals. Because she was interested in semiconductor device physics, her PSM program was “tuned” to include a course in the college of Engineering “Semiconductor Device Fundamentals”. Lisa’s internship experience was at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California where she studied the effect of temperature on light attenuation in fiber optic cables. She also participated in a program review at JPL where she used her PSM training in business and professional communications. On graduation, Lisa was hired by WaferTech, Inc. in Camas, Washington where she is a Product Engineer. Her first assignment involved tests of the viability of silicon chips and failure analysis. She recently moved to a position in process integration engineering. In addition to her physics and engineering courses, she credits the business, communications, and ethics courses of the PSM program with providing “… a broader set of skills to pursue a career in high tech industry.”

Vincent Cerimele (2007):

Vincent is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego where he received the B.S. in Physics. After working in industry for three years, Vincent came to OSU to pursue the PSM degree in Applied Physics. He believes that the combination of science and business course work offers “…. a competitive advantage for working in industry…” Vincent did his internship at ViewPlus Technologies, Inc. in Corvallis, Oregon. ViewPlus is a start-up company that creates and markets technology to provide computer accessibility to the visually handicapped. Company President, Dr. John Gardner, is a member of the Board of Advisors for the OSU PSM program. Vincent worked on next-generation embossing printers. After completing the PSM program at OSU, Vincent accepted a position with ViaSat, Inc. in Carlsbad, California. He is engaged in tests of UHF communication equipment for military satellites.

Joshua Mellon (2007):

Josh received his B.S. degree in Physics from OSU and entered the PSM program in 2004. His progress toward the degree was interrupted by a tour in the mid-east with the US Army. During this time he maintained contact with OSU faculty by email and on receipt of an Honorable Discharge and Army Commendation Medal, he returned to Corvallis to complete the PSM Program. Josh’s internship was hosted by ViewPlus Technologies, Inc. Josh has a strong interest in business and found his way into ViewPlus’ Financial Department where he developed cost-saving software applications for the company. On graduating from the PSM program, Josh was hired to a full-time position with ViewPlus where he is being groomed for the position of Chief Financial Officer. Of his job, Josh says “I enjoy my work at ViewPlus because it leverages my talents, challenges me, and offers opportunities for continued personal growth.”

Jonathon Shanks (2007):

Jon is a graduate of Michigan State University where he earned a B.S. degree in Physics. Jon first learned of the PSM program through an article in a national newspaper. He wanted to work in industry and came to Corvallis to pursue the PSM degree because “I felt the combination of science and business …. would better prepare me for working in industry.” Jon did his internship at Micro Systems Engineering, Inc. in Lake Oswego, Oregon, a company that manufactures implantable heart defibrillators and pacemakers. Reliability is crucial for such products and Jon’s internship project involved accelerated lifetime testing of ceramic capacitors. After receiving the PSM degree at OSU, Jon was hired by Micro Systems Engineering where he now has the position of Component Quality Engineer.