Program Overview
In the Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) Graduate Certificate Program, students explore the politics and policy related to science and technology. The program provides students with tools to analyze complex science and technology policy issues, and consider the following types of questions:
- How is science and technology influenced by the policy process?
- What is the rightful place of science in public policymaking?
- What values and assumptions underlie our current understanding of science and technology?
- Who should make decisions about science and technology policy? Only experts, or should lay people have a voice?
- How should policymakers deal with the risks and uncertainties that come from new science and technology (e.g., biotechnology, nanotechnology, geoengineering)?
In 15 credit hours of course work (three core courses and two electives), students learn how science and technology are influenced by politics and policy, analyze the role of science and technology in the policymaking process, develop policy writing skills, gain methods and tools for science and technology policy analysis, and explore the political and policy landscape of specific science and technology areas, including biotechnology, information and communication technology, energy policy, and more.
The STPP Graduate Certificate Program is designed for students already enrolled in a degree program at the University of Michigan. Master’s or doctoral students from any field, both LSA and the professional schools, are welcome to apply. No background in science or in policy is required. For undergraduates who would like an introduction to the STPP Program and to the manner in which science and technology issues both shape and are shaped by public policy, we recommend taking PubPol 481.
Please visit the Ford School’s website for more information on the STPP application process.