Program Overview

MS—Creative Technology & Design

The MS—Creative Technology & Design program offers a Social Impact track that prepares students to leverage technology to create equity in access and support underserved communities in the US and around the world.

Social Impact Track

The Social Impact track prepares students to apply information and communication technologies (ICT) to address social issues for impact. The most effective and culturally appropriate solutions balance technology and societal need; through a project-based curriculum, students learn to critically evaluate and apply both.

• All students in the Social Impact track share a common passion for tackling some of the world’s most complex problems.
  • Many focus on development issues domestically or abroad; these include accessibility, education, climate change, global health, and policy.
• Students choose their own path by selecting from a diverse and challenging array of technical focus and critical perspective elective courses.

A diverse student cohort is one of the program’s greatest strengths. A broad mix of talent leads to more thoughtful and thorough development projects and solutions.

Program Structure

• A hallmark of the program is the final field-based practicum.
  • Students spend a full semester with non-governmental organizations, development agencies, foundations, and technology companies applying thoughtful, real-world interventions that have a social impact.
• This experience positions them well for careers in the field, sometimes with the same organization.

Focus Areas

• Construct your own focus area within the Social Impact program, drawing on the diverse resources of the ATLAS Institute and the broader University of Colorado Boulder campus.
• The following paths are popular within the Social Impact track, but they are certainly not prescriptive:
  • Accessibility
  • Climate & Energy
  • Policy
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Join one of ATLAS Institute's Labs or Studios

Admission Requirements

• GRE: ATLAS does not require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for applications to the Master's program.
• International Applicants: All ATLAS degree programs have been assigned the US State Department's CIP code 15.0000, Engineering Technology, General.
  • It is classified as a STEM-OPT eligible degree.

Additional Information

• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of technology and social impact.
• The curriculum is project-based, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems.
• The program’s diverse student cohort and faculty expertise provide a rich environment for learning and collaboration.