The Science and Technology in Public Policy (STPP) graduate certificate program is designed for students already enrolled in the university’s graduate program. Graduate students or doctoral students from any field are welcome. No training in science or policy is required.
In 12 credit hours of coursework (two core courses and two electives), students will learn how policy and politics affect science and technology; analyze the role of science and technology in the policy-making process; develop policy writing skills; gain methods and tools for policy analysis in science and technology; and explore the political and policy landscape of specific areas of science and technology, including biotechnology, information and communication technology, energy policy, and more.
The program provides students with the tools to analyze complex science and technology policy issues and consider the following types of questions:
- How do science and technology affect the policy process?
- What is the legitimate place of science in shaping public policy?
- What values and assumptions underlie our current understanding of science and technology?
- Who should make decisions about science and technology policy? Just the experts? Or should laypeople have a say, too?
- How should policymakers deal with the risks and uncertainties associated with new science and technology (e.g., biotechnology, nanotechnology, geoengineering)?
The STPP experience does not end in the classroom. Students attend lectures on a wide range of topics – biotechnology, public health, energy, sustainability, etc. – from active science and technology policy makers. STPP students also have the opportunity to meet with speakers over lunch and other small group conversations, and to ask questions about their work and field. Other STPP meetings include regular movie nights (with pizza, of course); an annual career lunch with professors, doctoral students, and undergraduates; and opportunities to participate in special projects to interact with policymakers.
STPP gives students a great opportunity to meet and collaborate with people in a wide variety of fields. STPP students and faculty work in science, engineering, business, law, dentistry, public health, and public policy. Through these interdisciplinary relationships, students have the opportunity to build their professional networks, so they leave not only with a certificate, but also with relationships with colleagues in a wide variety of fields, preparing them to work in an increasingly interdisciplinary world.
With an STPP certificate , students are ready:
- Participate in science and technology policy and politics as public servants, members of non-governmental organizations, or practicing scientists/engineers.
- Participate in science and technology policy analysis through think tanks, industry, or academia.
Prepared to serve
In their roles as the heads of research labs, scientists and engineers constantly feel the impact of science and technology policies and are often called upon to serve as expert witnesses for congressional hearings or to sit on government advisory committees.
The STPP certificate prepares graduate students to play such roles in the future. They learn about the policy process related to the conduct and management of research and development, the distinguishing economic characteristics and consequences of science and technology, the political issues that come into play when science moves out of the laboratory and into the policy domain, and the broad policy frameworks within which science and technology activities occur.