Program Overview

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Science, Technology, and Public Policy Master of Science Degree

Overview

Shape public policy in science, tech, energy, and environment through hands-on research.

Why Pursue a Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS at RIT?

• Top-Notch Faculty: Develop strong connections with faculty and researchers who are actively working on scientific and technological innovations that drive new public policy needs.
• Dynamic Curriculum: Gain the skills needed to contribute to important policy issues in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
• Flexible Options to Complete Your Degree: Choose between a thesis or capstone project to earn your science, technology, and public policy MS.

A Technical Public Policy Degree for Today's Innovative World

Self-driving cars, cybersecurity threats, data protection and privacy, and artificial intelligence are just a few of the hot-button topics in the rapidly evolving intersection of technology, innovation, and public policy. This master's in public policy enables you to work at the intersection of engineering, science, and technology while contributing to important policy issues in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Understanding how to create effective public policy takes both an awareness of the science and technology behind a topic as well as a grounding in the system of laws, regulatory measures, and courses of action that affect it.

RIT’s Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS

With a focus on policy areas that have a strong science or technology element (energy, health systems, technology innovation, environment, and cybersecurity), our program builds on RIT’s strengths as a technological university and connects you with faculty and researchers who are actively working on scientific and technological innovations that drive new public policy needs.

The science, technology, and public policy MS is equally ideal for those with undergraduate degrees in either:

• Science or engineering
• An area of liberal arts (e.g., economics, public policy)

Science, Technology, and Public Policy Degree Courses

Public policy degree core courses emphasize analysis, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary approaches, which are required in this program.

Elective courses are selected with an advisor and allow you to focus your studies on an interest or career area, such as environmental policy, climate change policy, health care policy, STEM education policy, telecommunications policy, biotechnology policy, environmental policy, communications policy, or energy policy. Electives are offered in various colleges throughout the university, including the colleges of Business, Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Science.

In the thesis and capstone options, you will work with a faculty adviser on an independent research project in your area of interest.

Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

• Budget Analyst
• Energy Efficiency Program Manager
• Government Relations Specialist
• Healthcare Services Analyst
• Legislative Aid
• Market Researcher
• Policy Analyst
• Regulatory Affairs Manager
• Research Associate

Cooperative Education and Internships

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. A liberal arts co-op provides hands-on experience that enables you to apply your knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between course work and real-world applications.

Co-ops and internships are optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the MS in science, technology, and public policy.

Curriculum

Science, Technology, and Public Policy, MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • PUBL-700: Readings in Public Policy
  • PUBL-701: Graduate Policy Analysis
  • PUBL-702: Graduate Decision Analysis
  • PUBL-703: Evaluation and Research Design
  • STSO-710: Graduate Science and Technology Policy Seminar
  • Graduate Electives
• Second Year
  • Choose one of the following:
    • PUBL-785: Capstone Experience
    • PUBL-790: Public Policy Thesis
    • PUBL-798: Comprehensive Exam plus 2 Graduate Electives

Total Semester Credit Hours: 30

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: None
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree.

Faculty

• Sandra Rothenberg, Professor

Events

• Donuts with the Dean in the College of Liberal Arts (various dates)

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