B.S. in Actuarial Mathematics
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, offers a Bachelor of Scien...
B.S. in Society, Technology & Policy
Worcester, Massachusetts
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Society, Technology & Policy program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, is an interdisciplinary program that explores the complex relationship between society, technology, and policy. This unique program combines elements of social science, engineering, and policy studies to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how technology impacts society and the role of policy in shaping technological innovation. Through coursework, research, and experiential learning opportunities, students develop critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning, and policy analysis abilities to address real-world challenges at the intersection of technology and society.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the B.S. in Society, Technology & Policy program at WPI is designed to provide students with a broad-based education that integrates perspectives from multiple disciplines. Core courses cover topics such as ethics in technology, policy analysis, social impacts of technology, and innovation studies. Students also have the flexibility to choose elective courses in areas such as environmental policy, healthcare policy, cybersecurity, or global development. In addition to coursework, students complete a capstone project where they apply their knowledge and skills to address a real-world issue related to technology and society, working collaboratively with faculty mentors and industry partners.
Research Focus: Research in the Society, Technology & Policy program at WPI explores a wide range of topics related to the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of technology. Faculty members and research centers focus on areas such as technology ethics, responsible innovation, digital privacy, and social justice in technology. Students in the program have the opportunity to engage in research projects alongside faculty mentors, conducting independent research, collecting data, and analyzing policy implications of technological advancements. WPI's interdisciplinary research environment and collaborative research initiatives provide students with valuable research experience and opportunities to contribute to advancements in technology policy.
Industry Engagement: WPI has strong connections with industry partners, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, providing students in the Society, Technology & Policy program with opportunities for internships, co-ops, and collaborative projects. Through industry partnerships, students gain practical experience, apply their knowledge to real-world problems, and develop professional skills valued by employers. WPI's Career Development Center offers resources and support for students seeking internships and career opportunities in policy analysis, technology consulting, government affairs, and nonprofit advocacy roles.
Global Perspective: The Society, Technology & Policy program at WPI emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in understanding the societal impacts of technology and the development of international policy frameworks. Students have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs, global research projects, and international collaborations that expose them to diverse cultural perspectives, global challenges, and policy approaches around the world. Additionally, WPI's diverse community of students and faculty from different cultural backgrounds fosters cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and innovation in addressing global issues related to technology and society.
Location
Worcester, Massachusetts
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 60965
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fees: Waiver
Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 90 is often required.
- PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 61 is often required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 125 is required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) recognizes the importance of providing financial support to international students pursuing higher education in the United States.
Global Scholarship Program: WPI offers the Global Scholarship Program to international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition coverage for up to four years of undergraduate study at WPI. Eligibility criteria include academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and contributions to the community.
International Student Scholarships: WPI provides a limited number of scholarships specifically designated for international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application requirements. International students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities offered by their academic departments, schools, and external organizations.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While WPI's scholarship programs primarily focus on merit-based awards, the university also considers financial need as a factor in determining eligibility for aid. International students with demonstrated financial need may be eligible for need-based financial aid, which could include grants, loans, or work-study opportunities. The Office of Financial Aid assists students in navigating the financial aid application process and exploring available resources.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities and governmental sponsorships offered by their home countries, international organizations, and private foundations. These scholarships may be available for specific fields of study, academic merit, or financial need. WPI provides guidance and support to students seeking external funding sources and assists them in applying for scholarships outside the university.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Society, Technology & Policy from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, possess a unique skill set that prepares them for diverse career opportunities at the intersection of technology, society, and policy.
Policy Analyst: Graduates can pursue careers as policy analysts, where they analyze the social and ethical implications of technology and develop policy recommendations to address emerging issues in areas such as privacy, cybersecurity, and digital equity. Policy analysts work for government agencies, think tanks, advocacy organizations, and consulting firms, where they research policy options, draft reports, and communicate findings to policymakers and stakeholders.
Technology Consultant: Technology consultants advise businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies on the strategic use of technology to achieve their goals and address societal challenges. Graduates can work as technology consultants, where they assess clients' needs, conduct technology assessments, and develop strategies for implementing innovative solutions that align with social, ethical, and regulatory considerations.
Government Affairs Specialist: Government affairs specialists advocate for the interests of organizations in the legislative and regulatory processes, shaping public policies and regulations related to technology and society. Graduates can work for corporations, trade associations, or nonprofit organizations, where they monitor legislative developments, engage with policymakers, and influence policy decisions through advocacy efforts and coalition building.
Social Impact Manager: Social impact managers work for technology companies, startups, or nonprofit organizations, where they develop and implement strategies to maximize the positive societal impact of technology products and services. Graduates can work as social impact managers, where they design and evaluate programs, measure social outcomes, and collaborate with stakeholders to promote responsible and inclusive technological innovation.
Research Scientist: Research scientists conduct interdisciplinary research on the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of technology, exploring topics such as algorithmic bias, digital rights, and technology adoption trends. Graduates can work as research scientists in academic institutions, research centers, or industry labs, where they conduct empirical research, publish papers, and contribute to the development of evidence-based policy recommendations.
Nonprofit Director: Graduates can pursue careers as nonprofit directors, leading organizations focused on technology policy, digital rights, or social justice initiatives. Nonprofit directors oversee strategic planning, fundraising, program development, and advocacy efforts, working to advance the organization's mission and address pressing societal challenges related to technology and policy.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: CSR managers work for corporations, where they develop and implement initiatives to promote corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and ethical business practices. Graduates can work as CSR managers, where they develop policies, engage with stakeholders, and oversee corporate initiatives related to environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement.
Ethical AI Officer: With the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, there is a growing demand for professionals who can ensure that AI systems are developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner. Graduates can work as ethical AI officers, where they develop guidelines, assess ethical risks, and implement safeguards to mitigate bias, discrimination, and other ethical concerns associated with AI technologies.
