Global Technology and Development, MS

Program Overview

The Global Technology and Development (GTD) program is an interdisciplinary graduate program that focuses on international development. It equips students with the knowledge and tools to address global disparities in wealth and resource access, seeking equity, justice, and alleviating suffering. The program offers a flexible curriculum, hands-on approach, and opportunities for international experience, preparing students for careers in various fields related to global development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Global Technology and Development (GTD)

is a graduate program focusing on international development. It explores social, economic, and political development, addressing the global disparities in wealth and resource access between countries. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools to tackle these issues, seeking equity, justice, and alleviating suffering.

The GTD program is interdisciplinary, drawing on social science concepts and theories to analyze development challenges and solutions.

It welcomes students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, offering them the chance to tailor the program to their interests and goals. Through its flexible curriculum and hands-on approach, the GTD program prepares students to pursue careers in various fields related to global development.

Program Content and Structure:

The GTD program is a 30 credit-hour program that requires students to complete the following:

Required Core (3 credits):

• GTD 511 Development Policies and Practices (3)

Other Requirements (12 credits):

• GTD 501 Global Technology and Development (3)
• GTD 503 Technology and the International Political System (3)
• GTD 505 Social Science Inquiry for Global Development (3)
• GTD 506 Applied Project Methods in Global Development (3)

Restricted Electives (12 credits):

Students can choose electives from a list provided by the GTD program to specialize in areas like:

• technology
• environment
• health
• education
• gender
• human rights

Culminating Experience (3 credit):

• GTD 593 Applied Project (3)
The culminating project is an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills they gained in the GTD program to a specific issue of their choosing. They can develop a theoretical analysis or create an applied project addressing a real-world challenge.

Teaching Methods and Faculty

The GTD program utilizes various teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, group projects, and independent research opportunities. It boasts an expert faculty with extensive experience and diverse expertise in various areas related to international development, such as:

• economics
• sociology
• anthropology
• political science
• public administration
The program emphasizes student engagement, encouraging active participation and interaction within a supportive learning community.

Assessment

The program uses various methods to assess students' learning, such as:

• Examinations: These tests evaluate students' understanding of key theoretical and factual knowledge in different courses.
• Assignments: Essays, reports, and presentations allow students to demonstrate critical thinking, analysis skills and application of knowledge to specific cases and projects.
• Project work: This component involves independent research, data collection, analysis, and presentation, requiring the student to apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout their program to a real-world project or case.
• Participation: Active engagement in discussions, seminars, and other forms of collaborative learning is assessed to evaluate student engagement and contribution.
The GTD program emphasizes a holistic assessment approach that evaluates not just knowledge acquisition, but also students' analytical, critical, and project management skills, making them effective contributors in diverse global development roles and projects.

Careers:

Graduates from the Global Technology and Development program are equipped to pursue careers in a variety of sectors related to global development, such as:

• International Organizations: UN, USAID, World Bank
• NGOs and non-profit organizations
• Research and consulting firms
• Multilateral development banks
• Government agencies
• Educational Institutions
Potential roles for GTD graduates may include:
• Research: Conduct research and contribute towards developing policies, strategies and interventions to address development challenges.
• Program design and implementation: Design and manage development projects and initiatives focusing on various areas like poverty reduction, education access, healthcare improvement, or environmental sustainability.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Track the progress and assess impact of development programs and projects, providing data and analysis for continuous learning improvement and adaptation of initiatives.
• Fundraising and resource mobilization: Secure financial and other resources for development projects and programs, ensuring the sustainability and impact of their efforts.
The GTD program equips its students with a diverse skill set, making them adaptable to pursue careers across the international development field, contributing towards positive social change around the globe.
• The GTD program can also be taken as an accelerated option within a five-year bachelor's plus a master’s program, although acceptance requires a separate application.
• Students can choose from multiple online and in-person modalities for their studies, including various enrollment sessions throughout the year, offering flexibility for those with different needs and time commitments.
• GTD offers opportunities to gain experience through international research, study, and professional development, and encourages participation in faculty-directed and exchange study abroad programs, providing global perspectives and intercultural understanding.