Worcester Polytechnic Institute

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary master’s combines social science, engineering and management perspectives to explore how scientific and technological innovation affects development outcomes. Core topics typically include:

• Development theory and policy — frameworks for understanding economic, political and social drivers of development and inequality.
• Innovation and technology management — processes for creating, adopting and scaling new technologies in low-resource and cross-cultural contexts.
• Research methods and programme evaluation — qualitative and quantitative methods, monitoring and evaluation, impact assessment and mixed-methods research design.
• Information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) — digital literacy, appropriate technologies, data for development and technology-enabled service delivery.
• Design for development / human-centred design — user-centred approaches, prototyping, participatory design and usability testing with diverse stakeholders.
• Ethics, governance and policy analysis — responsible innovation, regulatory environments, intellectual property and equity considerations.

The curriculum balances seminars and lectures with project-based learning. Students complete coursework alongside a substantial culminating experience — which may be a supervised research thesis, applied capstone project or practicum placement with a development partner. Electives allow specialisation in areas such as health technology, sustainable infrastructure, education technology, data for development or entrepreneurship for social impact.

Entry requirements

• Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant discipline such as engineering, computer science, public policy, economics, social sciences, or a related field.
• Transcripts demonstrating strong academic performance are required. Relevant professional experience in development, technology, or research can strengthen an application.
• Application materials commonly include a statement of purpose outlining research or career goals, a current résumé or CV, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Proof of English proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests include TOEFL or IELTS).
• Some applicants may be asked to provide a writing sample or portfolio of relevant work; GRE requirements vary and applicants should check current admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers at the intersection of technology and development. Typical roles include:

• Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) specialist for NGOs, foundations or multilateral organisations
• Programme or project manager for development initiatives that leverage technology
• Product manager or designer for social enterprises and tech startups focused on emerging markets
• Policy analyst or advisor on technology regulation, digital inclusion and innovation policy
• Consultant with firms advising governments and international agencies on ICT4D, smart cities, or infrastructure
• Researcher in university centres, think tanks or applied research organisations studying technological impacts on development

The programme’s applied projects and practicum opportunities help students build a portfolio of real-world experience and professional contacts in the sector.

Why study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is known for its project-based learning model and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration — an approach that aligns closely with the practical, systems-oriented nature of development work. Graduate students benefit from faculty with expertise spanning engineering, social science and management, and from campus programmes that connect students to industry, NGOs and government partners.

WPI’s hands-on project culture encourages students to work on team-based, client-driven projects that address real challenges. Facilities and centres supporting innovation, data analysis and prototyping are accessible to MS students, and the university’s network of regional and global project partnerships provides pathways to applied placements and fieldwork.