International Science and Technology Policy Master of Arts

The International Science and Technology Policy program at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs is dedicated to educating the next generation of S&T professionals. We help students gain foundational knowledge across a range of science and technology policy issues while also specializing in a distinct, and highly customizable, field of concentration.

In the ISTP program, you won’t just learn about domestic and foreign policy analysis, research methods, and quantitative skills—you’ll also explore the global implications of these policies. Through internships and career opportunities, you’ll gain practical experience applying your knowledge to real-world challenges.

There isn’t one typical student in our ISTP program. Your classmates will consist of recent undergraduates to mid-career professionals seeking advancement or a career change. You’ll be among those with technical backgrounds seeking to enter roles and others who have always been interested in policy.

Whether you’re looking to focus on issues like space policy, the economics of innovation, or climate and energy challenges, our program prepares the next generation of ISTP professionals to craft policies that resonate across industries, international arenas, and with the general public. 

Academic and Career Guidance 

Each student prepares a comprehensive action plan in their first semester—tailored to individual career goals and academic interests. A dedicated student advisor helps navigate that path from day one, adjusting courses and career strategies as interests evolve. Along the way, our professors prioritize building strong, supportive relationships with students, ensuring personalized guidance.

Our 50+ years of history serve as an advantage for our students, and not just academically.  Our robust alumni network fosters invaluable connections between current and former students. Our alumni are active and connected to our students, providing mentorship, sharing employment opportunities, and aiding as academic and community resources.

In addition, we’re located blocks from the White House—granting unique access to embassies, organizations, and policymakers. Here, our students are a walk away from the most influential ISTP networks in the world. For you, this is an opportunity to gain professional experience during the day before walking or taking the Metro to campus for night courses.

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What You’ll Study

Flexibility is built into the Elliott School programs and is a key differentiator for our graduates. Our 40-credit curriculum offers pathways into critical topics such as climate and sustainability, science diplomacy, renewable energy, international nuclear policy, patenting and technology transfer, emerging technologies, science diplomacy, and much more.

Concentration Field

You’ll select a concentration that allows you to focus on areas of particular interest, such as space policy, the environment, or technology management. Additionally, under the guidance of the program director, you’ll have the flexibility to create your own customized concentration.

Concentration Fields

Analytical Competency

You’ll also take six credits of analytical competency courses designed to impart background and analytical tools used in policy evaluation. You can choose courses among the following categories: policy analysis and public administration; economic theory and concepts; and research methods.

Analytical Competency Courses

Where You’ll Go

Our grads set out on diverse and thrilling career paths spanning diplomacy and public service, business, security, conflict resolution, development, and public health.

Our recent grads have found opportunities with organizations such as:

• SpaceX
• BryceTech
• U.S. Army
• NASA
• CSIS
• The Aerospace Corporation
• MORE Health Inc.
• U.S Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
• CACI International 

 Find Career resources

I really appreciate that the ISTP program gives students the ability to become experts not only in their specific areas but trains them to become competent in understanding a wide range of S&T policy issues.

Matej Siget
M.A. International Science and Technology Policy '22

How to Apply

When you're ready to apply to the program, you will need to follow the graduate admissions process, including completing and submitting the online application with all of the required materials. 

Affiliated Institutes 

The Institute for International Science and Technology Policy (IISTP) and the Space Policy Institute are world leaders in international public policy research and education. Together they’ll provide consistent opportunities for you to take advantage of—research, organized seminars, symposia, networking events, conferences, and speakers from both the United States and overseas.

To get an idea of the opportunities you’ll be able to take advantage of as a student, check out The Bromley Memorial Event—an annual lecture co-hosted by IISTP and the University of Ottawa. Discover recordings from alumni like Kei Koizumi (Former Assistant Director for Federal Research and Principal Deputy Director for Policy at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy), as well as other senior S&T advisors like Dr. Rémi Quirion, Dr. Bhavya Lal, and more. 

The IISTP and SPI faculty manage the MA program, the graduate certificate programs (International Science and Technology Policy and Nuclear Policy Studies), as well as the S&T track of the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy & Public Administration's PhD program in Public Policy & Administration. 

Contact Us

If you have questions about how this degree aligns with your career goals, or you would like to compare the Master’s in Asian Studies with our other master’s programs in international affairs, sign up for a virtual information session. You’ll meet with our graduate admissions counselors and have a chance to ask specific questions as we review program details and the admissions process. 

Sign Up for a Virtual Information Session