Why the policy focus?
The Master of Science (MS) in Science, Technology, and Environmental
Policy degree prepares students with natural or engineering science
backgrounds to assume roles in public policy development and implementation.
The program focuses on understanding the role of science and technology
in our society, in particular in relation to its economic growth,
health, environment, education, and national security.
The program also covers the impact of science and technology on
the political and economic relationships among nations. MS students
are taught to analyze and design policies for appropriate promotion
and regulation of science and technology regionally, nationally,
and internationally.
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science, technology, and environmental policy
Learn more about the field
What will you learn?
The MS program requires 40 semester credits, including approximately
21 required core credits. Six additional credits can be used
to complement a student's previous training, such as appropriate
courses in science or its history or philosophy for those with social
science backgrounds or appropriate courses in the social sciences
for those with natural science backgrounds. Students may elect either
a Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis) program. For those pursuing
a Plan A program, the master's thesis will be awarded 10 credits
and students must complete a minimum of three additional credits.
For those pursuing a Plan B program, 13 credits of additional electives
must be chosen in consultation with their advisers. Plan B students
also complete a Plan B paper. Although no internship is required,
many students complete a professional internship between their two
years of study.
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the curriculum
Research and practice
The Humphrey Institute's policy
research and outreach centers provide MS students with opportunities
to conduct research and work in the field. In addition, students
collaborate with faculty members on research, journal articles,
and other projects.
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the faculty
What we expect from you
We expect MS applicants to have:
- A four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S.
university or foreign equivalent;
- An undergraduate major or advanced coursework in one of the
natural or engineering sciences;
- Completed a college-level calculus course (grade of B-minus
or better);
- Completed the equivalent of an introductory course in microeconomics
(grade of B-minus or better);
- Basic competence in the use of computers.
Applicants who have inadequate preparation in these prerequisites
but who are otherwise qualified for admission may be considered
for admission (at the discretion of the faculty admissions committee)
but may be required to take the relevant courses before beginning
the program or taking core courses.
If you have questions about your academic preparation for the MS
program, contact the admissions office at (612) 626-7229 or hhhadmit@umn.edu.
A variety of financial aid options may help you finance your education.
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to learn more.
Learn more about our program
To find out more about the program at the University
of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, visit,
call, or e-mail us.
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