Science, Technology and Public Policy

Overview

The Science, Technology and Public Policy program of Rochester Institute of Technology builds on RIT’s strengths as a technological university, enabling students to interact with faculty and researchers who are working on scientific developments and technological innovations that drive new public policy considerations. 

This technology policy master's degree is interdisciplinary and draws significantly from disciplines and courses throughout RIT. It is geared toward producing graduates who will make significant contributions in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

A Technology Policy Master's 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.

To effectively create public policy around issues impacted by technology and innovation, you must be knowledgeable of both the science and technology behind the issue as well as the system of laws, regulatory measures, and courses of action that guide the creation of effective public policy. 

Courses in Technology and Public Policy 

All students in the program complete a set of policy core courses that emphasize analysis, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary approaches. Students work with an adviser to choose electives that focus their policy studies in a particular area, such as environmental policy, climate change policy, health care policy, STEM education policy, telecommunications policy, or energy policy. The program consists of required core courses, elective courses, and the completion of a thesis or comprehensive exam. The thesis option allows students to work with a faculty adviser on an independent research project in their area of interest.