Information and Communication Technology for Development

Some of the most effective solutions to humanitarian problems come from leveraging technology to address human need. Achieving a balance between technology and societal need is a central objective of this two-year program. The curriculum will teach students to critically evaluate and apply both.

The Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD)track of the Master of Science in Technology Media and Society program encourages applications from outstanding and passionately engaged students from diverse academic backgrounds.

The strength of the program draws on the diversity of its students. A broad mix of talent leads to more thoughtful and thorough development projects and solutions.

We invite technologists, social scientists, development practitioners, entrepreneurs, and those who prefer not to be labeled to apply. Our primary prerequisites are a passion for making a difference and a desire to expand the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) in disadvantaged communities.

The only one of its kind in the United States, this two-year program includes three semesters in residence, during which students take courses in technology, development studies, policy, and fieldwork methods.

In the final field-based practicum semester, students work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), development agencies, foundations, and technology companies on real world ICTD interventions, which often lead to full-time positions upon completing the program.

Learning in this ICTD track combines an interdisciplinary approach to development (domestic and international) with hands-on experience, preparing students to effectively leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) in underserved communities.

1st Semester

• ICTD Case Studies
• Global Development I
• Technology Elective 1

2nd Semester

• Fieldwork Methods
• Policy of Business Elective
• Technology Elective 2

3rd Semester

• ICTD Laboratory
• Domain Specific Elective
• Technology Elective 3

4th Semester

• ICTD Practicum

Requirements

• A résumé or curriculum vitae.
• A 3-5 page statement of purpose.MS applicants: The statement of purpose should detail your academic and professional interest in the MS-TMS degree, indicating which track you intend to pursue (ICTD or Creative Technologies and Design). You should also discuss longer term goals and describe how your background prepares you to pursue this degree.
• A personal web site or online portfolio of your work. What have you done that you’re especially pleased about?   This might comprise software, hardware, design or multimedia production or performance, or research papers.  Clearly credit all authors and collaborators on each work. Include a URL on your résumé and/or in your statement of purpose (include password information if your site is restricted).
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to judge your potential for success in graduate school. Recommenders will submit letters directly online.
• Test Scores: Graduate Record Exam scores (general exam only) taken within the last two years. (CU-Boulder GRE institution code is 4841, and our department code is 5101.)  Applicants with terminal graduate degrees (e.g., Ph.D., J.D., M.D., or Ed.D.) may request a waiver of the GRE requirement. If you are an international student and your native language is not English, you must submit a documented TOEFL iBT score.   (The UC-Boulder TOEFL institution code is 4841, the ATLAS department code is 99.)
• Unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher learning that you have attended.