Ethical AI & Tech Regulation
You’ll be able to evaluate complicated ethical issues related to AI and develop strategies for using technology responsibly.
Master of Science in Technology, People, and Policy
Degree Overview
The Master of Science in Technology, People, and Policy program explores how emerging technologies influence important aspects of society. Graduates will be grounded in traditional technological frameworks and well-versed in the ethical, legal, environmental, human, and policy-related dimensions of advanced digital technologies.
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- Interdisciplinary Learning: The program blends technical knowledge, human development, social policy, and ethics. Students approach problems from multiple perspectives, reflecting the spirit of the School of Education and Social Policy.
- Exceptional Faculty: Instructors are leaders in their fields—from computer science and learning sciences to psychology and social policy.
- People First: We look at how tech impacts people at every stage of life. This human-centered approach ensures graduates can create policies that prioritize people.
- Hands-On Experience: You'll be working on real-world projects, preparing for careers creating or analyzing tech policy, specializing in AI ethics, researching human-computer interaction, or consulting for industries in the process of digital transformation.
Degree Details
| Application Deadline (Fall 2025 Entry) | Modality | Estimated Length | Program Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
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Priority Deadline 1: Jan. 24, 2025 |
Hybrid | 1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time | $60,000 |
Degree Highlights
Flexible Career Options
Potential careers include tech policy analyst and advisor, AI ethics specialist, digital transformation consultant, researcher, and graduate work.
Leadership in Digital Transformation
After gaining a unique blend of technical expertise, policy insight, and skills in organizational change and communication, graduates can help organizations adopt new technologies in socially responsible ways.
Global and Local Policy Knowledge
The curriculum focuses on current trends in technology and education, along with national and international policy frameworks, equipping students to navigate regulatory environments in fields such as education, healthcare, commerce, and more.
In-Person or Online
In-person classes are held on our Evanston campus. A virtual option through customized video conferencing accommodates working professionals outside the Chicago area.
Full-Time or Part-Time
Full-time students can complete the program in one year, including summer; part-time students typically take two years.
Curriculum Overview
The MS in Technology, People, and Policy is a flexible hybrid program that can be completed in one year (full-time) or two (part-time.) Most courses are offered in a hybrid-synchronous format for in-person or virtual attendance. The program includes professional development opportunities such as a speaker series with tech policy experts, and requires in-person participation for orientation and the capstone symposium.
6
Required Courses
3
Elective Courses
1
Capstone Project
Career Outcomes
You'll be well-prepared for a career at the intersection of technology, policy, and ethics and in strong demand across sectors. Graduates are equipped to address challenges in AI regulation and tech policy and can be innovators and leaders in the responsible use of developing technologies.
Careers
- AI ethics specialist and digital transformation consultant
- AI legislation fellow
- Technology ethicist
- Director of data, tech, and AI
- Director of data and AI governance
- Director of educational technology
- Senior digital policy researcher
- Technology policy analyst
Industries
- Tech
- Politics
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Consulting
Degree Faculty
The Master's in Technology, People, and Policy faculty are experts in technology, human development, social policy, and computer science. Their interdisciplinary research provides insights and strategies to help students tackle real-world challenges in tech policy and ethical AI. Collaborations with Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering, Kellogg School of Management, and Pritzker School of Law provide exposure to cutting-edge solutions.
Sepehr Vakil, Faculty Chair
"A key aspect of the program is a rigorous examination of the current national and international policy context surrounding digital tech innovation and regulation."
--Sepehr Vakil, Associate Professor of Learning Sciences, Faculty Director of the Technology, Race, Ethics, and Equity in Education (TREE) Lab at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy
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| Mike Horn | Reed Stevens | Ofer Malamud | Eleanor O’Rourke |
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| Nichole Pinkard | Claudia Haase | Uri Wilensky | Megan Bang |
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| Kimberly Scott | Bruce Sherin | Yang Qu |
Explore Your Next Steps
Connect with Technology, People, and Policy
Phone
847-467-1610