Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Master of Science and Technology Policy program is designed to train future leaders, policymakers, and analysts in tackling diverse and complex policy issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence in ways that are socially responsible and contribute to a more just and vibrant future.

Program Description

This cohort-based program attracts students of the highest caliber and can be completed in one year or over an extended period on a part-time basis. It is suited to anyone interested in a career in which they work to ensure, through responsive and effective policy development and implementation, that science and technology serve society. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Key Questions Addressed

The program provides students with knowledge and tools to analyze and answer complex questions around science and technology policy issues, including:

• How are science and technology influenced by the policy process?
• What is the rightful place of scientific expertise in public policymaking?
• What values and assumptions underlie society's current understanding of science and technology?
• Who should make decisions about science and technology policy? Only experts? Or should laypeople also have a voice?
• How should policymakers deal with the risks and uncertainties that come from new science and technology?
• How can policymakers balance concerns about science and technology while maintaining innovation and international competitiveness?

Program Structure

Students work on topics as varied as responsible innovation, technological convergence, social and environmental sustainability, health and well-being, energy, equity, security, data privacy, infrastructure, democracy, STEM education, the role of science, and space exploration and policy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are able to:

• Apply critical skills and methods to science and technology policy analysis
• Apply advanced approaches to ensure socially responsive and responsible technology innovation
• Contribute to developing and implementing creative solutions to many of today's most complex challenges

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree.

Degree Requirements

• 30 credit hours including the required applied project course
• Required Core (6 credit hours)
  • HSD 501 Science and Technology Policy (3)
  • HSD 502 Advanced Science and Technology Policy (3)
• Electives (9 credit hours)
• Other Requirements (3 credit hours)
  • HSD 591 Topic: MSTP Professional Development Seminar Series (3)
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
  • HSD 593 Applied Project (3)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Personal statement
• Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Priority deadline of January 2 for Session A/C

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify and analyze science and technology policy challenges, apply policy frameworks, and develop policy insights and recommendations.
• Students will be able to communicate science and technology policy challenges, issues, and options to diverse audiences.
• Students will be able to research and analyze the history of a public law related to science, technology, or innovation, and use professional writing formats to explain how the law was implemented.

Global Opportunities

Studying abroad is possible for graduate students. There are more than 50 program opportunities available, with programs on every continent.

Career Opportunities

Science and technology policy professionals are in high demand across sectors and industries, including businesses, think tanks, nongovernmental organizations, international organizations, academic institutions, as well as local, state, and federal government. Skills in policy analysis and the policymaking process are valuable to businesses and institutions that deal with science and technology policy issues.

Career Examples

• Editor of a science and technology-focused magazine or journal
• Environmental protection specialist
• Government program administrator
• Information technology specialist in the federal government and private sector
• Intelligence analyst on science and technology threats
• Official at U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Regulatory policy analyst
• Science and technology research analyst, program or policy analyst, or legislative analyst
• Science, technology, or health care policy advisor
• Smart cities program manager