Technology

This program evaluation and data analytics master’s builds interdisciplinary expertise at the intersection of statistics, computer science and management. You’ll learn how to use a variety of data tools and implement rigorous approaches to collecting, analyzing and interpreting data within public organizations. This includes creating visualizations, dashboards and automated reports to support decision-making. As a graduate, you can enhance organizational performance by gathering better data, improving the use of existing data, formally evaluating programs and implementing actions based on findings.

Prepare for careers in a variety of industries

The curriculum explores two fields: program evaluation, which focuses on using tools to assess policy or program impact, and data science. With an understanding of both, you’ll possess diverse knowledge that complements careers within think tanks, research groups, consulting groups and government agencies at all levels. You can also pursue data-driven roles in nonprofits and international development agencies to measure program effectiveness or enhance monitoring and evaluation capacity.

Unlike most data analytics curricula, this program stands out because it focuses on applications in the public and nonprofit sectors. The coursework explores common performance challenges and provides you with data-driven approaches to designing solutions. This can give you a leg up when pursuing positions in these sectors upon graduation. You’ll be equipped to help organizations leverage the power of data to make a positive social impact.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

Ideal candidates include those with social science or management knowledge seeking a broader skill set in advanced data analytics. This master’s is also an excellent choice for those with data analytics experience who want to apply their technical skills to the public sector. Regardless of your academic or professional background, you’ve found the right program if you’re passionate about using data to drive social and organizational change.

As an applicant, you don’t need prior computer programming knowledge, but you must have a rudimentary knowledge of the R language, such as through a basic tutorial. Additionally, this program leans heavily into the intuition behind data analysis, as well as interpreting results and translating them to real-world applications in the public sector. This master’s is an ideal choice if you’re looking to refine both quantitative and qualitative skills.

Global technology and development uses international development and scientific disciplines to better understand and more capably address global issues. Examples include addressing climate change, delivering accessible health care and education and providing clean drinking water.

There are two key components of global and technology development:

• Recognizing the ability of technology to affect societies.
• Understanding how changes in societies lead to technological innovation.

While technology is a foundational focus, this discipline takes many other concepts into account. Depending on the specific context of a project, considerations such as history, religion and society can all come into play. Effective development needs more than just the right technology and data. Implementation often requires a strong grasp of a community’s culture.

What is technology’s role in global development?

Technology, which is taken to mean every sort of tool or system used by society to advance its goals, affects social, political and economic processes and outcomes. 

In this program, you’ll learn how to analyze these processes and outcomes, and critique the variable impacts of technology and political and social development and change.

What abilities can I develop in this applied international development concentration?

Key skills you can hone related to development include:

• Analysis.
• Evaluation.
• Management.
• Planning.
• Research.

The broad range of potential coursework in this program means you can cultivate abilities that are highly relevant to your field of interest.

Can I select a specialization for my degree?

You can choose a specialization from other colleges within ASU and select elective courses offered through them, including but not limited to:

• College of Health Solutions.
• Thunderbird School of Global Management.
• W. P. Carey School of Business.

If you want to assist in the development of societies and countries across the globe, this global technology and development degree can prepare you to do so regardless of the specific field in which you work.

Organizations across industries from health care and business to engineering and education rely on those with computer science knowledge and skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer and information research scientists is expected to grow by 23% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

Earning a Master of Computer Science is a step toward advancing your career in a lucrative field. Computer and information research scientists made a median annual salary of $136,620 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The skills you’ll develop in this master’s program

This Master of Computer Science program is designed to build your knowledge about a range of topics from designing software for networks, graphics and database systems to integrating computer science with biology, geography, public health and more. Upon graduation, you’ll have a variety of skills, including:

• Designing and analyzing computers.
• Implementing computational processes.
• Improving software reliability, network security and information retrieval systems.
• Inventing next-generation computer systems, computer networking, biomedical information systems, gaming systems and more.
• Transferring and transforming information.

Tailor your studies to fit your career goals

In this program, you’ll create a customized plan that aligns with your career goals. A majority of your courses will be electives, giving you the opportunity to explore your interests in a variety of topics, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and software engineering.

Interested in delving deeper into specific areas of computer science and gaining career-relevant skills? Check out the two available concentrations:

• Big data systems.
  • This concentration focuses on creating scalable systems to manage, interpret and analyze large amounts of data. You’ll also learn how to draw conclusions from data that enables organizations to make informed decisions.
• Cybersecurity.
  • In this concentration, you’ll gain the skills needed to safeguard information systems, develop solutions and mitigate risk.

In this program, you’ll gain the technical competencies needed to design and develop information systems that connect people, processes and technology. You’ll gain a greater technical depth in areas such as data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity and more. Built for customization, you will select from two interest areas to direct your learning. This ensures your coursework is relevant to your information technology career goals. Available focus areas include:

• Artificial intelligence
  • In this focus area, you’ll learn concepts and technical skills that emphasize data science and cover topics such as big data, data visualization, data analytics and natural language processing. Courses you’ll take include: IFT 511 Analyzing Big Data, IFT 512 Advanced Analytics for Big Data/AI, IFT 533 Data Visualization and Reporting, and IFT 536 Natural Language Processing.
• Cybersecurity
  • In this focus area, you’ll learn concepts and technical skills that emphasize cybersecurity, covering topics such as information assurance, database security, security analysis and network forensics. Courses you’ll take include: IFT 523 Network Forensics, IFT 543 Security Compliance, IFT 560 Cloud Architecture, and IFT 562 Cloud Security and Operations.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

Ideal candidates for this IT master’s program include those who are interested in cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, natural language processing, software development and computer architecture. Previous experience working in IT roles is preferred, such as full-stack developer, network administrator, systems administrator, security administrator and network architect.

Additionally, prior experience with programming languages is essential for success. Some of the languages you’ll need to apply include Java, JavaScript, Python and Linux. You must be able to demonstrate your understanding of foundational principles of programming, networking, security and databases. Other qualities that support succeeding in this program include problem-solving capabilities, critical thinking, inquisitiveness and self-motivation.

Information technology: A in-demand and well-paid career path

Information technology experts are needed across a wide range of industries, with the field expected to continue expanding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in roles related to computer and information technology are expected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2023, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

The BLS reported that the median annual pay in this group of occupations was $100,530 in May 2022. That’s more than double the median earnings of all occupations, which were $46,310 in the same period. Additionally, earning a master’s in information technology will provide you with an in-depth understanding of your area of specialty. You’ll graduate with enhanced expertise and credibility in information technology, allowing you more flexibility in selecting your next career opportunity.