Georgetown University

What you'll study

This programme combines political economy, ethics, history of technology and technical methods to analyse the social impacts of technologies and the institutions that shape them. Core topics typically include technology governance and regulation, science and innovation policy, digital platforms and society, cybersecurity and national security implications of emerging tech, and ethics of AI and data-driven systems.

Students follow a mix of seminars and applied courses. Typical modules and subjects you can expect include:

• Technology Policy and Governance — regulatory frameworks, comparative policy analysis, public administration of technology.
• Ethics, Law and Society of Technology — normative approaches to privacy, bias, human rights and responsible innovation.
• Methods for Science, Technology and Society — qualitative case study methods, interviews, ethnography and mixed-methods design.
• Quantitative and Computational Methods — data analysis, statistics for social scientists, basic computational techniques for researchers (e.g. data visualisation, text analysis).
• Security, Intelligence and Emerging Technologies — national security implications, dual-use technologies and cyber policy.
• Innovation and Global Technology Systems — industrial policy, global supply chains, and international governance of technology.
• Electives and Special Topics — students can take electives in areas such as health technology, environmental technologies, urban tech, or platform governance.
• Capstone / Research Project — an applied capstone project or thesis that addresses a practical policy, design or research problem in technology and society.

Course structure emphasises small seminar teaching, policy-oriented writing and an applied final project. Students are encouraged to take cross-school electives and to participate in internships, practicum placements or research assistantships.

Entry requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any discipline; successful applicants often have backgrounds in social sciences, humanities, engineering, computer science or related fields.
• A strong academic record and evidence of analytical ability. Transcripts are required.
• One to three letters of recommendation, typically from academic or professional referees who can speak to your analytical and research potential.
• A statement of purpose outlining your interests in the intersection of technology and society, relevant experience and professional or academic goals.
• A current résumé or CV showing relevant educational, professional and extracurricular experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests and score requirements are set by the university).
• Standardised tests (e.g. GRE) may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; check the programme’s admissions guidance for details.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles that bridge technical understanding and social, legal or policy analysis. Common career paths include:

• Technology policy analyst or advisor in government agencies, legislatures or regulatory bodies.
• Researcher or programme officer at think tanks, NGOs and international organisations focused on digital rights, cybersecurity or science policy.
• Ethics or policy lead in technology companies, product teams or startups working on AI, data platforms, health tech or sustainability tech.
• Consultant in firms advising public sector clients on digital transformation, risk and compliance, or technology governance.
• Analyst or manager in public interest organisations, advocacy groups and legal clinics that engage with issues around privacy, platform governance and access to technology.
• Further research or doctoral study in STS, public policy, law and related fields for those pursuing academic careers.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown’s location in Washington, D.C., gives students direct access to policymaking institutions, federal agencies, international organisations and a wide range of NGOs and think tanks, enabling internships and collaborations that connect classroom learning to real-world policy work. The programme draws on interdisciplinary faculty with expertise across international affairs, ethics, law, computer science and public policy, and benefits from the university’s strong emphasis on public service and ethics.

Small seminar-style classes and opportunities to take electives across schools allow students to tailor their studies towards policy, research or technical applications. Georgetown also emphasises experiential learning: students commonly undertake practicum projects, internships with governmental and non-governmental partners, and applied capstones that build practical skills sought by employers in the public, private and non-profit sectors.