Program Overview

Master of Arts in the Field of International Science and Technology Policy

Overview

Scientific and technological advances provide the basis of international competitiveness and account for the bulk of national growth and the improvement of the quality of life around the world. The ability to create, adapt, and adopt new technologies defines modern societies. In today's global environment, the need for innovation is essential for solving societal problems and staying ahead of competition. Developments in information technology, space exploration, genetic modification, and advances in material science are governed and shaped by institutions that set science and technology policy. The master of arts in international science and technology policy prepares students to understand and respond to these important dynamics.

The 40-credit, multidisciplinary MA program includes a core field in science technology and international affairs that allows students to concentrate on areas of particular interest; an analytical competency requirement that provides career-enhancing, marketable skills in policy analysis, economic theory, or statistics; and an elective field that reflects individual interests and career goals.

Recent graduates often work in research, analysis, or management positions with titles such as research analyst, program or policy analyst, legislative analyst, or more specialized areas. Analysts are often employed with government agencies, advocacy groups, think tanks, science and technology-oriented publications, among other organizations.

Admissions

• Admission deadlines:
  • Fall: January 7th - Fellowship & Application Deadline
  • Spring: October 1st - Fellowship & Application Deadline
  • Applications for admission will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis after the fellowship deadlines have passed, but students will not be considered for fellowships.
• Standardized test scores:
  • GRE/GMAT test-optional
• Recommendations required:
  • Two (2) letters are required. Applicants should submit one (1) academic letter from a professor and one (1) professional reference.
• Prior academic records:
  • Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission and choose to enroll.
  • If academic records are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translations alone should be uploaded into the online application. Official transcripts and certified English translations will be required of applicants who are offered admission and choose to enroll.
• Statement of purpose:
  • All applicants are required to submit an essay of approximately 500 words that answers one of the two questions below:
    • State your purpose in undertaking graduate study at the Elliott School. As part of your statement of purpose, describe your academic and research interests, career objectives, how a degree from the Elliott School will enable you to achieve your goals, and what unique skills, talents and/or perspectives you will bring to your program. Please be specific.
    • OR -
    • Please discuss an issue of international importance you wish to address in your professional career. Please include how the Elliott School and the academic program to which you have applied will prepare you to address this global issue.
• Additional requirements:
  • A resumé or curriculum vitae is required. Resumés/CVs must include dates of employment (if applicable) and date of degree conferral or expected degree conferral.
• International applicants only:
  • International Applicants may be required to submit official English Language tests scores with their application.
  • The minimum English Language Test Requirements can be found below:
    • Eligible for Admission & requires EAP Courses:
      • IELTS- 7.0 overall score, no band score below 6.0
      • TOEFL- 100 (internet test) 600 (paper test)
      • PTE- 68
    • Eligible for Admission & Exempt from EAP Courses**:
      • IETLS- 7.0 overall score, no band score below 6.5
      • TOEFL- 105 (internet test) 650 (paper test)
      • PTE- 72
    • **Spring applicants must receive at least these scores to be considered for admission.

Requirements

• The following requirements must be fulfilled: 40 credits, including 6 credits in core field courses, a 4-credit capstone course sequence, 15 credits in a concentration, 6 credits in analytical competency courses, and 9 credits in elective courses.
• Course List:
  • Required:
    • Core field courses (6 credits):
      • IAFF 6141: International Science and Technology Policy Cornerstone (Offered in the fall semester only)
      • IAFF 6143: Science and Technology Policy Analysis (Offered in the spring semester only)
    • Capstone (4 credits):
      • Students complete a two-course capstone sequence that most closely matches the thematic area of their project. The capstone sequence includes a 2-credit capstone workshop taken before the 2-credit capstone seminar. Students must have completed at least 18 credits of coursework prior to starting the capstone sequence. The two 2-credit capstone courses must be taken consecutively.
      • IAFF 6157: International Science and Technology Policy Capstone Workshop (offered in the Fall semester only)
      • IAFF 6159: International Science and Technology Policy Capstone Project (offered in the Spring semester only)
  • Concentration (15 credits):
    • At least five courses in one concentration. Students can choose from the following concentrations or they may design a personalized concentration in consultation with the program director. Requests for courses beyond these lists can be approved by the program director.
    • Space policy concentration:
      • EMSE 6992: Special Topics (Federal Acquisitions in National Space Security)
      • IAFF 6145: U.S. Space Policy
      • IAFF 6146: Space Law
      • or LAW 6548: Space Law
      • IAFF 6148: Space and National Security
      • IAFF 6153: Science, Technology, and National Security
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Issues in Space Policy)
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Space Economics)
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Science, Technology, and Global Statecraft)
      • EHS 6227: Introduction to Human Health in Space
      • MAE 3145: Orbital Mechanics and Spacecraft Dynamics
      • MAE 6249: Spacecraft Design
    • Energy policy concentration:
      • IAFF 6151: Environmental Policy
      • IAFF 6152: Energy Policy
      • IAFF 6138: Special Topics in International Development Studies (Climate Change and Sustainable Development)
      • IAFF 6118: Special Topics in International Affairs (Global Energy Markets)
      • IBUS 4404: Global Energy
      • EMSE 6200: Policy Factors in Environmental and Energy Management
      • LAW 6438: Energy Law and Regulation
      • PUBH 6130: Sustainable Energy and the Environment
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Current Issues in Science Diplomacy)
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Science, Technology, and Global Statecraft)
    • Technology innovation management and policy concentration:
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Economics of Technological Change. Same as: ECON 6255)
      • IAFF 6138: Special Topics in International Development Studies (Development and Technology)
      • ECON 6237: Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
      • ECON 6283: Survey of International Trade Theory and Policy
      • ISTM 6214: Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
      • ISTM 6218: Business Applications of Artificial Intelligence
      • ISTM 6222: IS/IT Strategy and Implementation
      • ISTM 6223: Technology Entrepreneurship
      • ISTM 6224: Management of Technology and Innovation
      • ISTM 6233: Emerging Technologies
      • IBUS 6401: International Business Strategy
      • MGT 6280: Entrepreneurship
    • Environmental Policy concentration:
      • IAFF 6151: Environmental Policy
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Current Issues in Science Diplomacy)
      • IAFF 6118: Special Topics in International Affairs (Managing the World's Water)
      • IAFF 6164: Environmental Security
      • IAFF 6138: Special Topics in International Development Studies (Climate Change and Smallholder Agriculture)
      • IAFF 6138: Special Topics in International Development Studies (Urbanization and Climate Change)
      • IAFF 6138: Special Topics in International Development Studies (Strategic Environmental Management)
      • IAFF 6358: Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Climate Change and Environmental Policy in Latin America)
      • EMSE 6200: Policy Factors in Environmental and Energy Management
      • EMSE 6220: Environmental Management
      • GEOG 6220: Seminar: Climatic Change
      • GEOG 6293: Special Topics (Environmental Conservation)
      • GEOG 6230: Seminar: Environmental Issues in Development (Environment and Development)
      • PPPA 6140: Introduction to Environmental Law
      • PUBH 6130: Sustainable Energy and the Environment
    • Nuclear policy concentration:
      • IAFF 6152: Energy Policy
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Current Issues in Science Diplomacy)
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Science, Technology, and Global Statecraft)
      • IAFF 6106: Nuclear Weapons
      • IAFF 6186: Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Nuclear Proliferation and Nonproliferation)
      • IAFF 6186: Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Nuclear Security)
    • National security concentration:
      • IAFF 6153: Science, Technology, and National Security
      • IAFF 6148: Space and National Security
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Artificial Intelligence and Policy Challenges)
      • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Science, Technology, and Global Statecraft)
      • IAFF 6186: Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Analysis of Military Operations)
      • IAFF 6186: Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Cybersecurity)
      • IAFF 6186: Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (WMD Arms Control)
      • IAFF 6186: Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Emerging Threats)
      • IAFF 6186: Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Nuclear Proliferation and Non-Proliferation)
      • IAFF 6186: Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (U.S. National Security)
      • IAFF 6106: Nuclear Weapons
      • IAFF 6160: Defense Policy
• Analytical competency (6 credits):
  • Any courses taken to fulfill this analytical requirement cannot be double counted to fulfill another requirement.
  • Two courses from the following:
    • IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Economics of Technological Change. Same as: ECON 6255)
    • IAFF 6118: Special Topics in International Affairs (Applied Qualitative Methods)
    • IAFF 6118: Special Topics in International Affairs (Data Analytics for International Affairs)
    • IAFF 6216: Analytic Tools for Global Policy
    • IAFF 6501: Quantitative Analysis for International Affairs Practitioners
    • ECON 6217: Survey of Economics I
    • ECON 6218: Survey of Economics II
    • ECON 6219: Managerial Economics
    • ECON 6321: Applied Managerial Economics
    • ECON 6237: Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
    • ECON 6250: Survey of Economic Development
    • ECON 6280: Survey of International Economics
    • ECON 6301: Applied Microeconomic Theory
    • ECON 6305: Applied Macroeconomic Theory
    • EMSE 4571: Introduction to Programming for Analytics
    • EMSE 4572: Exploratory Data Analysis
    • MAE 3145: Orbital Mechanics and Spacecraft Dynamics
    • MAE 6249: Spacecraft Design
    • PPPA 6002: Research Methods and Applied Statistics
    • PPPA 6003: Economics for Public Decision Making
    • PPPA 6005: Public Budgeting, Revenue, and Expenditure Analysis
    • PPPA 6007: Microeconomics for Public Policy I
    • PPPA 6015: Benefit-Cost Analysis
    • PPPA 6020: Decision Modeling for Public Policy
• Electives:
  • 9 credits in elective courses. Electives can include graduate-level courses offered through other Elliott School programs, departments in other GW schools, or a combination of the two. Up to 3 credits can be taken as professional skills courses (IAFF 6502 or IAFF 6503). Additional skills courses require approval.

Combined Programs

• Joint Master of Arts in Elliott School programs and Master of Business Administration
• Joint Master of Arts and Juris Doctor