The Master of Science in global technology and development program offers a program in international development that is globally and technologically focused, exposing students to a broad understanding of systems of technology, the interface between technology and society, and their roles in global development, innovation and change. On a theoretical level, the program seeks to bridge the perspectives of international development and science, technology and society, incorporating theoretical and conceptual frameworks from both fields of study into the core curriculum.

The study of technology and science has traditionally taken place separately from the social science disciplines, offering little insight into how the advance of technology affects social, political and economic development, and vice versa. At the same time, academic programs that do explore these issues are often created in isolation from science and technology.  Yet, in the 21st century, it is imperative that we seek to understand the interrelationships between technological and human development, as well as how these interrelationships affect social justice and equity, and the environment.

In addition to specialized technologists, professionals with a grasp of large-scope technological change, who in effect may become technology interpreters for policymakers, will be needed. Policymakers and practitioners of development face the incorporation of technology as a centerpiece of development strategies, yet outcomes are not always certain. How technologies are transferred, adapted, and affect societies vary according to cultural, political and socioeconomic contexts.

The GTD course of study is designed to empower graduates of the program to understand and analyze diverse and complex societal contexts and the impact that technological innovation has had on the world. Graduates use that knowledge to influence and design appropriate policies and programs for the future. Students completing the GTD program will possess research skills enabling them to pursue their own research agenda and critically assess the work of others in their professional environments. 

Graduates bring to their organizations an understanding of different societal, cultural, economic and political contexts, a knowledge of systems of technology and their incorporation and constitution from and within society, and how these systems might transform our world. By integrating the study of human development with the study of technology, students are prepared for careers in technology-related public policy, government service, international development and international management, as well as the private sector.

Program goal and outcomes

  • Identification and evaluation of economic, social and political development theories, and how they help us understand the impact of technology.
  • A broad understanding of sociotechnical systems and the scope of human activity globalized and revolutionized by technology, particularly in the current era of globalization.
  • Critical analyses of current global events and situations, including understanding their historical contexts, to make appropriate policy decisions regarding equity and positive outcomes in international development.
  • Understanding the implications of technological innovation and development in environments other than one’s own society and culture.
  • Appreciation of factors that differ in various cultural, political and social contexts.
  • Identification of problems, formulation of research agendas, and implementation of research and knowledge outcomes.

Campus program

GTD Campus Handbook 2021-2022

Required Coursework

GTD Core and Required Courses (15 credits)

GTD 511 Development Policy & Practices (3 credits)

GTD 501 Global Technology and Development (3 credits)

GTD 503 Technology and the International Political System (3 credits)

GTD 505 Social Science Inquiry for Global Development (3 credits)

GTD 506 Applied Project Methods in Global Development (3 credits)

Sample GTD Area and Special Topic Courses

GTD 504 Technology and Development in Zones of Conflict (3 credits)

GTD 507 Technology and Development in the Middle East (3 credits)

GTD 508 Technology and Development in Latin America (3 credits)

GTD 509 Technology and Development in North Africa (3 credits)

Technology and Development – Restricted Electives (6 credits)

There is a wide range of course options to fulfill these restricted electives, offered online by departments across the university. Each semester a list of approved courses in this category will be provided.

Culminating Experience Requirement: Applied Project (3 credits)

There is some flexibility and scope in the nature of each student’s Applied Project. It can be a research paper where students must introduce a research problem, conduct a relevant literature review, describe the methodology, and then conduct research or create a project to solve that problem. Students will evaluate the research results or the project in a written document. There is also room for various other options, including a research proposal for funding, a publishable paper, or a multimedia project such as a film documentary or other audiovisual exploration and demonstration of concepts, research and development practices. The research courses GTD 505 and GTD 506 are designed to prepare students for this culminating experience of the applied project.  

Online program

GTD Online Program Handbook 2021-2022

Required coursework

GTD Core Courses (15 credits)

GTD 511 Development Policy & Practices (3 credits)

GTD 501 Global Technology and Development (3 credits)

GTD 503 Technology and the International Political System (3 credits)

GTD 505 Research Design in Technology and Development (3 credits)

GTD 506 Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis in Technology and Development (3 credits) 

Sample GTD Area and Special Topic Courses

GTD 504 Technology and Development in Zones of Conflict (3 credits)

GTD 507 Technology and Development in the Middle East (3 credits)

GTD 508 Technology and Development in Latin America (3 credits)

GTD 509 Technology and Development in North Africa (3 credits)

Technology and Development – Restricted Electives (6 credits)

There is a wide range of course options to fulfill these restricted electives, offered online by departments across the university.  Each semester a list will be provided of approved courses in this category.

Culminating Experience Requirement: Applied Project (3 credits)

There is some flexibility and scope in the nature of each student’s Applied Project. It can be a research paper where students must introduce a research problem, conduct a relevant literature review, describe the methodology, and then conduct research or create a project to solve that problem. Students will evaluate the research results or the project in a written document. The research course sequence of GTD 505 and GTD 506 is designed to prepare students for this culminating experience. There is also room for various other options, including a research proposal for funding, a publishable paper, or a multimedia project such as a film documentary or other audiovisual exploration and demonstration of concepts, research and development practices. The research courses GTD 505 and GTD 506 are designed to prepare students for this culminating experience of the applied project.