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Master of Science and Technology Policy

MSTP degree information

The ASU Master of Science and Technology Policy program is committed to training future policymakers, analysts and influencers to help build a better future for everyone by bringing unique skills and perspectives to emerging science and technology-related challenges. The program prepares its graduates to have an impact in today’s technologically and socially complex world.

Drawing on some of the world’s leading experts and innovative thinkers, the ASU MSTP program trains future leaders, policy makers and analysts to tackle a variety of complex issues ranging from climate change, energy security and public health, to the socially responsible and beneficial development and use of new and emerging technologies.

The program is an accelerated one-year, cohort-based program that is ideally suited to those interested in making sure that science and technology serve society through responsive and effective policy development and implementation. It draws students from a wide range of backgrounds, technical and non-technical, and prepares them to develop successful science and technology policy-related careers with government, business, academia, and non-governmental organizations.

Students will learn:

  • Basic concepts underlying science and technology policy, including key factors driving the need for innovation in science and technology policy approaches;
  • Trends in emerging and converging technologies, and the policy challenges and opportunities they present;
  • Key political and policy processes at the jurisdictional, functional, and sectorial level;
  • Theories, tools and methods that are core to effective science and technology policy;
  • The significance and importance of multi-stakeholder engagement, including citizen engagement;
  • Essential communication modes and techniques; and
  • Professional skills that include effective networking and collaboration.

Program benefits:

  • Access to world-renowned expertise in policy approaches to emerging technologies;
  • Exposure to emerging thinking around next generation challenges;
  • Opportunities to participate in diverse, relevant research projects;
  • Immersive capstone experience in Washington D.C.;
  • Networking with science and technology policy leaders;
  • Career opportunities in the public and private sector.

Degree requirements

(see the MSTP Handbook for more specific information):

The program requires 30 credits of coursework including an oral presentation of a written Applied Project report (HSD 593), and an MSTP Professional Development Seminar series.

The 30 credits include:

Six (6) credits of required core courses:

  • HSD 501 — Science and Technology Policy (3 credits)
  • HSD 502 — Advanced Science and Technology Policy (3 credits)

Three (3) credits of professional development:

  • HSD 591 MSTP Professional Development Seminar (3 credits)

Nine (9) credits of restricted elective courses from a list provided by the Degree Program Chair
Examples include:

  • HSD 504 – Analyzing Large Scale Socio-Technological Systems (3 credits)
  • HSD 517 — Uncertainty in Decision Making (3 credits)
  • HSD 515 — Science, Technology and Public Affairs (3 credits)
  • GTD 501 — Global Technology and Development (3 credits)
  • HSD 540 – Responsible Innovation and Research (3 credits)
  • FIS 403 – Governing Emerging Technologies (3 credits)
  • HSD 598 – Health and Biomedical Research Policy (3 credits)
  • HSD 598 – Comparative Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (3 credits)
  • HSD 598 – Regulatory Policy (3 credits)
  • HSD 598 – Health Policy (3 credits)
  • HSD 598 – Innovation, Economic Mobility and Public Policy

Students may submit a syllabus from another course for review as a Restricted Elective.

Nine (9) credits of electives approved by the degree program chair.

Three (3) credits of applied project

  • HSD 593 MSTP Applied Project (3 credits)