Online Master of Science in Public Interest Technology
Learn to integrate values-based principles with the power of technology to advance the well-being of society today and into the future. This revolutionary degree program in public interest technology will equip you with the skills to become a next generation thinker and responsible innovator.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/08/2024
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Degree questions, answered.
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Technology for the good of the public
This public interest master’s in technology is designed to train tomorrow’s leaders to imagine, design, create and apply technology for the advancement of social good. This program will equip you to assess new and emerging technologies, engage with community stakeholders, identify issues that are of public interest to communities, find a public consensus and deploy technologies that will benefit humanity.
What is public interest? And what is public interest technology?
Public interest is of particular relevance or appeal to the well-being of the general public. Our study of public interest in this master’s degree specifically considers how technology and the application of technology can be beneficial to local and global communities.
A public interest technologist can help corporations, government agencies and nonprofits achieve their goals responsibly through the consideration of people as both consumers and global citizens. Graduates may work to solve socio technical problems such as privacy encroachment, security data breaches, inaccessibility to information, unsustainable business practices, humanitarian crises, energy inefficiencies, issues of empowerment, transparency and oversight, among others.
What will I learn in this master’s degree in technology?
As a student in the public interest technology graduate degree, you’ll become a skilled advisor and transdisciplinary thinker. You’ll become a member of the next generation of professionals responsible for shaping the future of communities, societies and, ultimately, the world. This technology degree is unique in that it integrates social responsibility, rather than emphasizing programming or other advanced technical competencies. In this program, you’ll gain or refresh your technological fluency. Many of the core ideas of this public interest technology program were developed from the Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes.
Will my public interest technology degree say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Learn about the public interest and technology
As a student studying public interest technology, you’ll have the option of taking interdisciplinary courses across a range of subjects and within different schools at ASU, including sustainability and computing, informatics, information technology, critical data science and decision systems engineering.
Principles of Public Interest Technology
Co-designing the Future
Technology Impact Assessments
Public Engagement Strategies
What can I do with a master’s degree in public interest technology?
As a graduate with a degree in public interest technology, you’ll be well prepared to think analytically, design new systems and processes, and work within cross-disciplinary teams. You’ll be prepared for a variety of fields and job sectors, including data analysis, privacy and information security management, social and environmental justice advocacy and much more.
Advocacy coordinator
Analyst and designer
Big/open data governance manager
Child rights campaigner
Communications and outreach officer
Content strategist
Cybersecurity manager
Data privacy manager
Environmental affairs manager
Learn about technology and community improvement
The faculty of the School for the Future of Innovation in Society works around the world on a wide variety of projects, such as energy innovation, poverty alleviation, community development, food security, water access and education. They work on projects in the regions of Africa, the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, China, Latin America and North America, with funding from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Agency for International Development, the World Bank and other entities. They bring their real-world experience to bear on the design of courses and the mentoring of students around the globe.
Learn about technology and community improvement
The faculty of the School for the Future of Innovation in Society works around the world on a wide variety of projects, such as energy innovation, poverty alleviation, community development, food security, water access and education. They work on projects in the regions of Africa, the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, China, Latin America and North America, with funding from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Agency for International Development, the World Bank and other entities. They bring their real-world experience to bear on the design of courses and the mentoring of students around the globe.
Apply to earn your master’s at ASU Online
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the School for the Future of Innovation in Society.
Join a university that wants to help shape our future
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
#1
in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Top 10
best online bachelor’s programs.
Top 10%
best global universities.
80%
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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