B.S. in Actuarial Mathematics
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, offers a Bachelor of Scien...
M.S. in Science and Technology for Innovation in Global Development
Worcester, Massachusetts
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Science and Technology for Innovation in Global Development program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to address global development challenges through science, technology, and innovation. The program emphasizes the application of science and engineering principles to develop sustainable solutions that promote economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability in diverse global contexts.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the M.S. in Science and Technology for Innovation in Global Development program combines coursework, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues facing global development. Core courses cover topics such as development economics, policy analysis, project management, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship. Students also have the flexibility to choose elective courses in areas such as renewable energy, water resources management, healthcare technologies, or ICT for development, allowing them to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Science and Technology for Innovation in Global Development program emphasizes applied research that addresses real-world challenges facing communities in low and middle-income countries. Faculty and students engage in research projects that integrate scientific and technological innovations with social, economic, and cultural considerations to develop contextually appropriate solutions for sustainable development. Research topics may include clean energy technologies, water and sanitation systems, agricultural innovations, healthcare delivery models, or disaster resilience strategies, among others.
Industry Engagement: WPI fosters strong connections with industry partners, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and international development organizations to provide students with opportunities for industry engagement and collaboration. Through internships, fieldwork experiences, and project-based learning initiatives, students have the chance to work on real-world development projects, gain practical experience, and build networks within the global development community. Industry partners may also provide mentorship, funding, or support for student-led innovation projects aimed at addressing specific development challenges.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Science and Technology for Innovation in Global Development program promotes a global perspective on development challenges, recognizing the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues across different regions and cultures. Students may participate in international fieldwork experiences, study abroad programs, or global research collaborations to gain firsthand experience and insights into development issues in diverse cultural contexts. Additionally, WPI's diverse community of students and faculty from around the world fosters cross-cultural exchange and collaboration, enriching the learning experience and preparing students to work effectively in global settings.
Location
Worcester, Massachusetts
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 24150
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fees: Waiver
Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 80% or above.
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 84 is often required.
- PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 59 is often required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 115 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.
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.
Research and Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students at WPI may have the opportunity to obtain research or teaching assistantships, which provide financial support in the form of stipends, tuition waivers, or both. These assistantship positions allow students to gain valuable research experience or assist faculty members in teaching courses while earning financial assistance to support their graduate studies.
Graduates of Worcester Polytechnic Institute's M.S. in Science and Technology for Innovation in Global Development program are equipped with a diverse skill set that prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities in the field of global development.
Development Consultant: Graduates can work as development consultants, providing technical expertise and strategic guidance to international development organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government agencies. They may specialize in areas such as renewable energy, water and sanitation, healthcare, agriculture, or education, advising on project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Project Manager: With their interdisciplinary background and project management skills, graduates can pursue careers as project managers in development projects and initiatives. They may oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of projects aimed at promoting sustainable development, poverty reduction, and social inclusion in low and middle-income countries.
Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts, conducting research and analysis on global development issues and policies. They may work for think tanks, research institutes, or government agencies, providing evidence-based recommendations to inform policy decisions on issues such as climate change, economic development, public health, or humanitarian aid.
Social Entrepreneur: With their understanding of both technology and development challenges, graduates can become social entrepreneurs, founding startups or social enterprises that leverage innovative technologies to address social, environmental, or economic problems in underserved communities. They may develop and scale solutions in areas such as clean energy, affordable healthcare, or digital inclusion.
International Development Specialist: Graduates can pursue careers as international development specialists, working for international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, or regional development banks. They may be involved in program management, policy advocacy, capacity building, or technical assistance initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable development goals and reducing global poverty.
Research Scientist: Graduates interested in research can work as research scientists or analysts, conducting interdisciplinary research on global development challenges. They may work in academia, research institutes, or think tanks, conducting empirical studies, developing innovative solutions, and publishing their findings in academic journals or policy reports.
Humanitarian Aid Worker: Graduates can work as humanitarian aid workers, responding to humanitarian crises and emergencies in conflict-affected or disaster-prone regions. They may work for humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), or UN agencies, providing assistance in areas such as food security, shelter, healthcare, or emergency relief.
Development Finance Specialist: Graduates can work in the field of development finance, supporting financing mechanisms and investment projects that promote sustainable development. They may work for development banks, impact investment funds, or microfinance institutions, structuring financial instruments, assessing project viability, and managing investment portfolios in emerging markets.
Community Development Officer: Graduates can work as community development officers, collaborating with local communities and stakeholders to identify needs, mobilize resources, and implement development projects at the grassroots level. They may work for NGOs, community-based organizations, or government agencies, facilitating participatory development processes and building local capacity for sustainable change.
Educator/Trainer: Graduates can work as educators or trainers, sharing their knowledge and skills with the next generation of development practitioners and global citizens. They may teach courses, lead workshops, or develop educational materials on topics such as sustainable development, social entrepreneurship, technology for development, or global citizenship, inspiring and empowering others to become agents of positive change.
