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.

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a comprehensive approach to financing studies in the field of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD). Students pursuing this program have access to a variety of financial aid options, including federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and internal university funding. The university is committed to making education accessible and affordable, providing detailed information about tuition costs, financial aid application processes, and eligibility criteria through its official financial aid office. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal grants and loans.

In addition to federal assistance, CU Boulder offers numerous scholarships specifically targeted towards students in engineering, technology, and development programs. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and special achievements or community involvement. The university also provides information about private scholarships from external organizations that support students in the ICT for Development field. For students requiring additional support, loan programs such as federal direct loans are available, which can help cover tuition, living expenses, and related costs.

The university promotes work opportunities on and off-campus, enabling students to gain practical experience while earning income to support their studies. Graduate students may be eligible for research or teaching assistantships, which often include stipends and tuition waivers. CU Boulder also emphasizes the importance of financial planning and offers workshops and counseling services to help students manage their education costs effectively.

Moreover, CU Boulder’s commitment to affordability is reflected in its transparent fee structure, and the university frequently updates its financial aid policies to accommodate changing economic conditions. International students are advised to explore specific scholarship programs and funding options available to them, as well as additional resources for international financial support. Overall, CU Boulder provides a robust spectrum of financing options designed to support students’ academic pursuits in ICT for Development, ensuring that financial barriers are minimized so that students can focus on their educational and professional goals.

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a program focused on Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), which is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to leverage information and communication technologies to address social, economic, and developmental challenges in various communities around the world. This program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining aspects of computer science, information systems, global development, and social science to prepare graduates for impactful careers in international development, technology implementation, and policy-making.

Students enrolled in this program gain practical experience in designing, deploying, and managing ICT solutions tailored to the needs of underserved populations. The curriculum includes coursework in software development, network management, mobile technologies, data analysis, and human-centered design, along with studies of development theories, project management, and sustainability practices. Emphasis is placed on understanding the cultural, political, and infrastructural contexts of deployment environments to ensure that technological solutions are both effective and sustainable.

The program also incorporates opportunities for fieldwork and internships with non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and private sector partners involved in development projects worldwide. These experiential learning components enable students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in ICT for development. Graduates from this program are well-equipped to work in areas such as digital inclusion, health informatics, education technology, rural connectivity, and emergency response.

Faculty members involved in the program are experts in fields related to global development and technology, bringing together research and practical expertise to guide students. The program also benefits from collaborations with international development agencies and tech companies, providing students with networking opportunities and access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.

Overall, the ICT4D program at the University of Colorado Boulder prepares students not only to become proficient technologists but also to serve as change agents who can design and implement innovative solutions that improve lives and promote sustainable development across diverse settings worldwide.