Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy

The Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) Graduate Certificate (Z155) is a 12-credit, 4-course curriculum.

Through the certificate, students will develop a deeper understanding of the concepts related to the formulation of science, technology, and innovation policy, and how those concepts combine to influence a chosen field. The program will also help students hone the analytical skills necessary to formulate regulatory controls for new technologies and approaches for creating and commercializing new technologies and innovations through discussions on the relevant political, institutional, social, and market forces.

The program runs on the semester academic calendar with classes held in the fall and spring. Semesters are 16 weeks long each. The program will begin in Spring, 2023 with the course "The Influence of Science on Policy and Policy on Science". This course will be co-taught by Rosina Bierbaum and S. James Gates.

This certificate has been designed for mid-career professionals from public agencies and multinational organizations, those from private and civil society organizations – and especially for those actively working in science or cyber-related fields who want to learn more about the policy. Graduate students and those already working on the policy side who want to learn more about the science behind these topics are likewise encouraged to apply.

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Science, Technology and Innovation Graduate Certificate Program Highlights

The curriculum is built around two core requirements that focus on technology change and innovation, and the influence of science and technology on policy. Those courses are:

From there, students will continue along a track based on their own interests, focusing either on Cyber or Energy and the Environment. This specialized track includes one required course and one elective. Pre-approved electives will be offered through the School of Public Policy and therefore be policy focused.

However, students wishing to take a more science-focused class at another School at the University of Maryland will have some latitude in selecting their own fourth graduate course. But, because many of these other options come with pre-requisites, co-requisites, and presumed scientific knowledge, approval is required first by the STIP Advisor.

Upon successful completion of the requirements, graduates will have acquired the following competencies:

• Quantitative skills for analyzing empirical data related to technology and technology change
• Analytical skills for designing and evaluating STI policies and programs, including innovation support mechanisms, and regulatory approaches aimed at addressing the social, environmental and other spillovers of new technologies
• Exposure to the main types of STI policy documents and processes, including Congressional hearings, statutes, federal budgets, court decisions, National Research Council reports, and studies from advocacy groups
• Communication skills in writing policy memos, preparing Congressional testimony, and making presentations

Graduates can choose to apply these credits towards a full School of Public Policy master’s degree program. Students interested in doing so need to apply and be admitted to a master's program before starting their fourth course.

STIP In the News

• Critical and Emergency Technologies List Update, National Science and Technology Council
• U.S.-China Technological 'Decoupling': A Strategy and Policy Framework, the Carnegie Endowment for Peace
• Russia and the Technological Race in an Era of Great Power Competition, the Center for Strategic and International Studies
• In Military-Civil Fusion, China is Learning

Plan of Study Overview

A sample plan of study has been provided below. Prospective students can use this as a guide in their initial planning but are strongly encouraged to develop a more formal schedule with the STIP advisor.

Specific class meeting information (days and time) is posted on UMD’s interactive web service, Testudo. When examining possible electives. please make note if a course has a pre-requisite or co-requisite –if it’s taught outside of the School of Public Policy, schedule a time to speak with a STIP Advisor.