Program Overview

Introduction to the PhD Program in Science and Technology Policy Studies

The PhD Program in Science and Technology Policy Studies is an interdisciplinary program that aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between science, technology, and society. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and develop policies that promote the responsible development and use of science and technology.

Educational Objectives

The graduates of the Science and Technology Policy Studies PhD program will be able to:

• Work as academics or researchers at higher education institutions in Turkey and abroad.
• Work as chief experts, coordinators, and directors at science, technology, and innovation policy units in related public and autonomous institutions.
• Work as coordinators or directors in the technology management and strategy departments of private companies.

Educational Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD program, students will:

• Gain an interdisciplinary perspective to analyze and conduct research on the economic and social consequences of technological progress.
• Gain competence to develop and implement harmonious science, technology, and innovation strategies and policies.
• Acquire conceptual and methodological knowledge to design long-term science, technology, and innovation policy.
• Have the knowledge to carry out academic research and teach on topics related to science, technology, and innovation.
• Gain the necessary conceptual, methodological, and applied knowledge to carry out impact assessments of science, technology, and innovation policies.

Program Structure

The program consists of 3 required courses and 4 elective courses. After completing the coursework, students have to take the qualifier exam in the 5th semester of the program. Upon successfully passing the qualifier exam, the student advances to write a PhD thesis.

Must Courses

• STPS 601: Innovation, Technology, and Economic Development
• STPS 602: Technology and Industrial Strategy
• STPS 605: Research Methods, Analytical Techniques, and Ethics

Elective Courses

Students have to complete 4 elective courses in addition to the required courses.

Qualifier Exam and PhD Thesis

Students have to take the qualifier exam in the 5th semester of the program. If successful, the student proceeds to writing a PhD thesis upon successful PhD proposal defense within six months of the qualifier exam. The maximum PhD education is 12 semesters.

Admission Criteria

According to the Higher Education Regulation, students who graduate from a non-thesis graduate program cannot apply for a PhD program.