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Global Technology and Development (Applied International Development), MS

Tackle complex global challenges and blend development theory, technology, policy and applied practice to prepare for meaningful professional work. Apply leadership, analytical and practical skills to design innovative development solutions that impact communities around the world.

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ASU student engages with global technolgy and development efforts throgh Arizona State University's SolarSPELL, a TIME-recognized innovaiton initiative.

Quick facts

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

This program is no longer offering the business specialization option.

Program description

The Master of Science program in global technology and development with a concentration in applied international development is a program focused on policies and practices in the development field and includes specializations provided by other units across the university.

The program offers an interdisciplinary social science curriculum and trains you with diverse undergraduate degrees, backgrounds and experiences. Highly customizable, the program allows you, at any stage in your career, to develop and enhance your skills in planning, management, analysis and evaluation in development practice.

You select an area to specialize in, such as education, sustainability, health, management, public policy or community development, where you can directly apply your knowledge to a relevant sector. Learning outcomes emphasize the utilization of skills and experience that you already possess, and enhanced abilities in analysis, critical thinking and the application of knowledge to development-related challenges. Through a wide variety of research, policy and special topics courses, you are prepared to finish the degree program with an applied project of your choosing that explores a critical aspect of global development and an applied solution for impact.

Additional details

Beyond your coursework, you can tap into a range of opportunities through the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, along with hundreds of study abroad options and student organizations across the broader ASU community.

Get to know the Global Technology and Development (Applied International Development), MS degree at ASU

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Curriculum

This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (GTD 593)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
GTD 511 Development Policy and Practices (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours)
GTD 501 Global Technology and Development (3)
GTD 503 Technology and the International Political System (3)
GTD 504 Technology and Development in Zones of Conflict (3)
GTD 505 Social Science Inquiry for Global Development (3)
GTD 506 Applied Project Methods in Global Development (3)
GTD 508 Technology and Development in Latin America (3)
NLM 520 Financial and Resource Management (3)
NLM 530 Program Evaluation and Information Management (3)

Specialization Electives (15 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
GTD 593 Applied Project (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students select three courses from the concentration list for a total of nine credit hours.

Students may take elective courses in an area of interest from a variety of academic programs such as education, sustainability, health, management, public policy and community development. Students should see the academic unit for available specializations and approved course list.


What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Identify and articulate a current problem in global development and create relevant and focused applied research project or an applied solution.
  • Identify and critique global technology and development concepts and current challenges.
  • Identify current priorities in global development and critique how discourse, institutions and policies shape development outcomes.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Rob Walton College of Global Futures.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in global development, education, business, health, management, community development or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. letter of intent or written statement
  4. resume
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

A statement of purpose of one to two pages is required for admission. While the GRE is not required, the statement of purpose is a significant factor in the application process, and it should address the background and capabilities of the applicant as well as the applicant's interest in the program.

Application deadlines

Fall
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C Online Rolling*
Session B Online Rolling*
Spring
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C Online Rolling*
Session B Online Rolling*
Summer
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C Online Rolling*

*A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.


Explore expanded study opportunities

Global experience

Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the Rob Walton College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.

Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.

Students can find programs specific to their interests on the Rob Walton College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.

Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

Careers this applied international development concentration prepares you for

Graduates pursue impactful and rewarding careers in international development across all sectors, working for government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, educational institutions, private businesses and corporations. Students learn skills that include research, writing, analysis and the ability to understand the complexity of diverse cultural, social and political contexts. These skills and abilities transfer to a myriad of career pathways, since they are in demand from organizations across industries. Students can explore alumni employment data for career insights on theRob Walton College of Global Futures employment data page.

Career examples include:

  • analyst (research, project, technical, data)
  • consultant (fundraising, marketing, information technology)
  • coordinator (environmental, health, safety, operations)
  • educator (instructional design, teacher, instructor)
  • manager (product, project, security, business, program, information technology)
  • project lead (humanitarian missions, information communication technology for development projects, smart city initiatives)
  • researcher (higher education, government, nonprofit)
Number 2 in the U.S. for employability among public universities. ASU ahead of UCLA, University of Michigan and Purdue. Global Employability University Ranking and Survey, 4 years, 2023 to 2026.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of Innovation Futures | ISTBX 366
sfisgrad@asu.edu
480-965-6584
Admission deadlines

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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