Interested in science policy but not sure what classes to take? Check out our top recommendations, browse by policy area, or discover potential degree programs! We’ve also included other classes that are not directly policy-related, but nonetheless will be helpful to someone pursuing a career in policy, such as courses in ethics and writing. For more information on any of the classes on this page, please consult the MIT Course Guide or the respective department websites.

Top Recommendations:

If you only have time for a few science policy classes during your time at MIT, these are the ones we would recommend the most. They require few, if any, prerequisites and give you the most comprehensive overview of science policy.

Science, Technology, and Public Policy

Analysis of issues at the intersection of science, technology, public policy, and business. Cases drawn from antitrust and intellectual property rights; health and environmental policy; defense procurement and strategy; strategic trade and industrial policy; and R&D funding. Structured around theories of political economy, modified to take into account integration of uncertain technical information into public and private decision-making.

“[D]esigned for scientists and engineers interested in policy but with little to no formal policy background” “[G]reat overview of topics at the intersection of science and policy”

Foundations of Information Policy

Studies the growth of computer and communications technology and the new legal and ethical challenges that reflect tensions between individual rights and societal needs. Topics include computer crime; intellectual property restrictions on software; encryption, privacy, and national security; academic freedom and free speech. Students meet and question technologists, activists, law enforcement agents, journalists, and legal experts. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided.

“[H]ighly recommend it to anybody who cares about things like software freedom, digital rights, privacy, security, algorithmic bias, AI regulation, etc.” “Great materials, good engagement, and field experts leading the course.”

Science, Politics, and Environmental Policy

Examines the role of science in US and international environmental policymaking. Surveys the methods by which scientists learn about the natural world; the treatment of science by experts, advocates, the media, and the public and the way science is used in legislative, administrative and judicial decision making. Through lectures, group discussions, and written essays, students develop a critical understanding of the role of science in environmental policy. Potential case studies include fisheries management, ozone depletion, global warming, smog, and endangered species.

“[H]elped me understand how science can inform policy, but also how policy can drive scientific innovation”

Making Public Policy

Examines how the struggle among competing advocates shapes the outputs of government. Considers how conditions become problems for government to solve, why some political arguments are more persuasive than others, why some policy tools are preferred over others, and whether policies achieve their goals. Investigates the interactions among elected officials, think tanks, interest groups, the media, and the public in controversies over global warming, urban sprawl, Social Security, health care, education, and other issues.

“[E]xcellent introduction to all things policy” “[A]wesome intro to the forces that affect public policy making in the US. It does not have a particular focus on science policy, but I really enjoyed it.”

Law, Technology, and Public Policy

Examines the relationship between law and technological change, and the ways in which law, economics, and technological change shape public policy. Addresses how law can be used to influence and guide technological change; responses of the legal system to environmental, safety, social and ethical problems created by new or existing technology; how law and markets interact to limit or encourage technological development; and how law can affect distribution of wealth and social justice. Covers climate change; genetic engineering; telecommunications; industrial automation; the effect of health, safety, and environmental regulation on technological innovation; the impacts of intellectual property law on innovation and equity; pharmaceuticals; nanotechnology; cost/benefit analysis as a decision tool; public participation in governmental decisions affecting science and technology; corporate influence on technology; and law and economics as competing paradigms to encourage sustainability.

Innovation Systems for Science, Technology, Energy, Manufacturing, and Health

Examines science and technology innovation systems, including case studies on energy, computing, advanced manufacturing, and health sectors. Emphasizes public policy and the federal government's role in that system. Focuses on the US but uses international examples. Reviews foundations of economic growth theory, innovation systems theory, and the basic approaches to science and technology policy. Explores the organization and role of energy and medical science R&D agencies, as well as gaps in those innovation systems. Also addresses the science and technology talent base as a factor in growth, and educational approaches to better support it.

Courses By Policy Area:

Interested in taking policy-related classes in your specific field of study? Find these classes below! Note that some classes may be included in multiple groups. Course in bold are accessible to most students. Courses denoted with an asterisk * are not offered regularly.

Science and Technology Policy

ENERGY AND eNVIRONMENTAL pOLICY

hEALTH AND bIOTECHNOLOGY pOLICY

uRBAN AND iNFRASTRUCTURE pOLICY

dEFENSE pOLICY

eCONOMICS AND dEVELOPMENT pOLICY

eTHICS

mISCELLANEOUS

Degree Programs:

See the department websites for full application details and requirements.

Public Policy Minor

The public policy minor is open to all undergraduate students, except those majoring in Course 11, Urban Studies and Planning. It is a three-tiered minor in which students engage with an overview of public policy, learn how to analyze policy, and concentrate in a specific policy area. There are nine predetermined policy areas in which students can specialize, or they can develop their own plan with their minor advisor. A full list of courses satisfying the minor is available here.

Technology and Policy Program (TPP)

The Technology and Policy Program (TPP) is a two year Master’s program. Students complete coursework in engineering, policy, economics, and law, culminating in an interdisciplinary thesis on a current technology policy issue. Successful candidates demonstrate academic excellence, interest in technology policy, and a capacity for technology policy leadership.

Data, Economics, and Development Policy Master’s Program (DEDP)

The Data, Economics, and Development Policy Master’s Program (DEDP) is a hybrid Master’s program offered by the Department of Economics. It begins with an online five-course MicroMaster’s offered through MITx. Following the completion of the MicroMaster’s, students apply to DEDP and, if accepted, come to campus to complete four additional courses in different economics, data, and policy areas. Instead of a thesis, students complete a capstone internship and a project report.

Graduate Certificate in Science, Technology, and POlicy (STP)

The MIT Graduate Certificate in Science, Technology, and Public Policy is open to MIT PhD students in science and engineering. The curriculum consists of 17.310/IDS.412 Science, Technology, and Public Policy and participation in the SPI Policy Bootcamp. Students also complete an elective course and a capstone project. The certificate is offered by the Technology and Policy Program (TPP).

PhD Program in Social and Engineering Systems (SES)

The Doctoral Program in Social and Engineering Systems (SES) combines statistics and data science with engineering and social science to solve real world problems. Students focus their research on significant societal problems and apply quantitative methods to develop policy-driven solutions. This doctoral program is offered through the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society.

PHD In History, Anthropology, and Science, Technology, and Society (HASTS)

The Doctoral Program in History, Anthropology, and Science, Technology, and Society (HASTS) prepares students to study science and technology from a societal and cultural background. The department is broad, but a few of the research areas are specifically focused on policy. Please note that due to the ongoing pandemic, there will not be a new cohort starting in Fall 2021.

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