In recent years, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and biotechnology has not only driven transformation in the technology industry but also brought new challenges to international relations, national security, and global governance.
Faced with increasingly complex technological and policy issues, how to assess the impact of emerging technologies and formulate effective governance strategies is becoming an important research direction in the field of public policy.
Recently, Johns Hopkins University announced the launch of a new Master of Arts in Technology and Policy (MATP), which will welcome its first cohort in Fall 2027 and is now open for applications.
Source: jhu
JHU Launches New Master of Arts in Technology and Policy
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Technology and Policy (MATP) is offered by JHU's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). It is a one-year program requiring a total of 40 credits, with classes held in Washington, D.C., USA.
The program is STEM-certified and draws on SAIS's academic resources in economics, geopolitics, technology, and public policy. It focuses on how emerging technologies affect governments, markets, and society, and how public policy can guide the development and application of technology.
Source: jhu
The program covers multiple frontier fields, including artificial intelligence, advanced computing, biotechnology, quantum technology, and fintech, and emphasizes interdisciplinary learning to cultivate students' abilities to assess technological impact, analyze policy issues, and formulate strategic solutions.
In addition, the program will leverage resources from SAIS's Emerging Technologies Initiative, the Technology and Innovation research direction, and cybersecurity research to provide students with learning opportunities at the intersection of technology and international policy.
Curriculum
The program adopts a one-year training model, consisting of four core courses, four specialized elective courses, a January skills training session, and a Practicum project.
Students will complete the main courses in the fall and spring semesters, and apply their knowledge to real-world technology policy issues through skills training and the practicum project.
Source: jhu
Core Courses
Students must complete four core courses to build a foundational knowledge base in technology policy, international strategy, and technology governance:
Fall Semester:
Technology & Policy: Foundations of the Digital Transformation
Technology, Power, and Statecraft: Harnessing Emerging Technologies in the 21st Century
Spring Semester:
The New Corporate Diplomacy: The C-Suite and Tech Policy
Responsible Leadership and the Ethics of Technology Policy in a Global Economy
Specialized Elective Courses
Students must select four elective courses from relevant courses offered by SAIS to further explore areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, international competition, and sustainable development. Some elective courses include:
Artificial Intelligence and Technology Strategy Track:
AI and National Security
Political Economy of AI
Technology and International Competition
Semiconductors: Industry, Security, and Geopolitics
Cybersecurity and Digital Governance Track:
Evolution of Cyberpolicy
Influence Operations in the Digital Age
Responsible Digital Development
Technology and Sustainable Development Track:
Energy Technology and Economics
The Intersection of Space and International Policy
*The above courses are examples of electives published by the school. Actual course offerings are subject to the school's latest information.
Source: jhu
January Skills Training
In addition to regular courses, the program also arranges a concentrated January skills training session (January Intersession).
Through workshops, lab courses, seminars, and group projects, students will further enhance their quantitative analysis, policy research, and professional communication skills.
Examples of skills training include:
Python Python Programming
Stata Stata Statistical Analysis
Research Management Research Management
Policy Writing Policy Writing
Persuasive Speaking Persuasive Speaking
Practicum Practical Project
The program requires students to complete the Practicum practical component, working with external partner organizations to research real-world science and technology policy issues.
Partners may include government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private enterprises.
Students will work in teams to conduct policy research, data analysis, and assessment of related issues, and will present policy recommendations with practical application value to partner organizations.
Practical topics may cover areas such as artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, technology infrastructure, biotechnology, and sustainable development.
Source: jhu
Application Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Open to outstanding recent undergraduate graduates and applicants with some work experience
- No minimum work experience requirement
- Students with a STEM background who wish to pursue a career in science and technology policy are welcome to apply
- Applicants must complete a statistics prerequisite course and achieve a grade of B- or above before official enrollment
The statistics prerequisite does not need to be completed prior to admission. Admitted students can fulfill the requirement through the Pre-Term course offered by the school or by completing an equivalent course at an accredited higher education institution.
Relevant course areas recognized by the school include:
Biostatistics/Environmental Statistics Biostatistics/Environmental Statistics
Econometrics/Economic Statistics Econometrics/Economic Statistics
Business Statistics Business Statistics
Engineering Statistics Engineering Statistics
Introduction to Data Science Introduction to Data Science
The relevant courses need to cover content such as descriptive statistics, basic probability theory, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and linear regression.
Application Materials
- Online application form
- Undergraduate and other university-level transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume)
- Statement of Purpose: no more than 600 words, explaining personal experience, motivation for applying, and how career goals align with the SAIS training approach
- Essay: no more than 600 words, introducing the challenges encountered in pursuing a career related to international relations, how they were addressed, and personal growth
- Two letters of recommendation (a third may optionally be submitted)
- Proof of English language proficiency (for applicants who are required to provide scores)
- GRE or GMAT scores: optional, not mandatory
- Application fee: $85
Source: jhu
Application Timeline
February 1, 2027: Priority application deadline
March 10, 2027: Notification date for priority round admission results
April 15, 2027: Regular application deadline
May 15, 2027: Notification date for regular round admission results
In addition, students interested in applying for SAIS scholarships need to check the corresponding option in the Financial Aid section of the application form so that the school can assess scholarship eligibility.
Source: jhu
The Master's in Technology and Policy newly launched by Johns Hopkins University combines emerging technologies with international relations, economics, and public policy research, helping students understand the global challenges brought about by technological innovation and master the knowledge and methods needed for technology policy analysis and strategic decision-making.
For students with relevant backgrounds in science and engineering, economics, international relations, or public policy who wish to further explore the fields of AI governance, technology strategy, and international policy, this program offers a new interdisciplinary learning option.
Source: jhu
Students interested in applying for Fall 2027 are welcome to contact CheersYou (清柚教育) to learn more about program details and application planning~
