Our students understand the impact of rapid technical change on all aspects of public policy.
As technology becomes increasingly prolific in every aspect of our lives, it provides new opportunities for business and interpersonal connections. But as information technology and big data create new industries and opportunities, the increasing interdependence of technical and human systems make us more susceptible to unauthorized access and disruption. 21st century policy leaders need to not only understand technology, but anticipate the challenges it may create.
The School strives to bring together government, academia, civil society and businesses to manage the negative effects of technology and explain risks to a skeptical public.
With classes that focus on the intersection between technology and policy, SPP is training students to develop holistic solutions that balance the beneficial aspects of technology with broader security concerns. Across all levels of SPP degrees, students gain an understanding of modern computing structures including:
- The global telecommunication environment
- Web infrastructure
- Mobile technology
- Distributed computing
- Analytic methods including machine learning and artificial intelligence
Through cutting-edge research, the School will empower public agencies, private companies and non-profit groups to link digital technologies and tools with the needs of different communities and make strategic cybersecurity decisions.