Technology and Social Innovation (M.S.)
Translate research into real-world impact using the latest methods to generate and communicate insights and drive change wherever humanity and technology meet.
Designed for future-focused thinkers eager to build a career in technology, 杏吧论坛鈥檚 M.S. in Technology and Social Innovation blends creativity with hands-on, project-based learning. Master qualitative and quantitative research methods drawn from the humanities and social sciences, build in-demand communication skills, and graduate ready to turn insight into impact.
Program Overview
The M.S. in Technology and Social Innovation focuses on developing advanced research, data analysis, and communication skills that prepare students to tackle real-world challenges wherever technology and humanity meet. Offered in-person, the program allows students the flexibility to begin in either the fall or spring semesters with both full-time and part-time schedules. Students have access to resources like the Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions, the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship, and the Idea Shop to design, test, and launch their projects.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates' ability to use technology to solve problems and improve society opens a wide range of doors in the job market. Career paths available to graduates with an M.S. in Technology and Social Innovation include User Experience (UX) Designer, Research Analyst, Survey Methodologist.
HUM 495 Foundational Research Methods
With research at the foundation of the M.S. in Technology and Social Innovation, you will have the opportunity to plan and conduct your own research projects that go beyond the classroom. In this course, you鈥檒l learn how to design your own studies, allowing you to engage in issues that are important to you.
COM 602 Qualitative Research Methods and COM 603 Quantitative Research Methods
These courses will give you a more complete toolbox necessary for analyzing data. While quantitative data is often easily measured, qualitative data emphasizes pushing to learn the 鈥渨hy鈥 behind the data to develop a deeper understanding.
COM 594 Capstone Project
Everything that you learn in the M.S. in Technology and Social Innovation comes together in this capstone project course. All your ideas, skills, and creativity converge as you plan, execute, and communicate a research project of your choosing. By the end of the course, you will have a polished, professional project that can go into your professional portfolio.
For more information, contact Department Chair Saran Ghatak at sghatak@illinoistech.edu.
You must complete the , regardless of which graduate program you wish to pursue. Visit our admission website to learn more about what information and documents you need to apply.
Social media influencers use a variety of tactics to manipulate their followers into free laborers for monetary gain, a student research project finds
Leila Mirghaderi (Ph.D. Technology and Humanities/User Behavior on Social Media, Digital Culture, AI Ethics '23)
Alex Damarjian, a Ph.D. candidate, had experience creating games for children. When he was connected with an ophthalmologist, he designed something that could have a much bigger impact.
Alex Damarjian (Ph.D. Technology and Humanities '22)
Now a full-time lecturer on game development, alumnus Michael DeAnda is teaching the next generation of game designers to consider inclusivity and the cultural stories their games can tell.
Michael DeAnda (Ph.D. THUM 鈥19)
Innovation in Action
At 杏吧论坛, innovation doesn't end when class is dismissed. Here, students are supported by a robust Career Services Center as they fuel their passions by taking part in dynamic organizations, whether that's writing for student newspaper , finding their on-air voice at , or turning their ideas into opportunity at Kaplan Institute's Startup Studio. Here, innovation isn't just studied; it's lived.
Learn MoreIs Technology the Best Policy?
Monika Sziron (Ph.D. THUM '22) studies the role artificial intelligence is playing in farming and agriculture. The ethics get complicated when we start looking at the policies in farming.
Learn MoreFeatured Faculty
Joseph A. Renow
Clarissa Busch
Bo Rodda
Carly A. Kocurek
Elisabeth Hildt
Saran Ghatak
Keith Green
Daniel Bliss
Yuri Mansury
Get In Touch
To learn more about the program, please contact Department Chair Saran Ghatak at sghatak@illinoistech.edu.