Graduate Catalog
2023-2024
 
Policies, Procedures, Academic Programs
Information Policy and Society
PIPC
Address:
Political Science (0130) Major Williams Hall, Room 515 220 Stanger Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Contact this Certificate
Email Contact(s):
Web Resource(s):
• Website
Phone Number(s):
• General Contact:
540/231-6572
• Graduate Program Director:
540/231-8843

Certificate Overview

This graduate certificate program in Information, Policy and Society is designed for non-degree-seeking students and graduate students at Virginia Tech who wish to demonstrate special competence in the study of Information, Policy, and Society. This certificate responds to an existing demand by degree-seeking and non-degree students studying on campus or through online courses. As digital technologies interact and become more deeply embedded within society, federal and state agencies as well as businesses large and small increasingly require individuals with the skills necessary to respond to the demands of an increasingly complex policy terrain. Skills developed in this course include knowledge of the main theoretical approaches to understanding this terrain, and applied knowledge of a policymaking environment that encompasses multiple stakeholders. It will recognize courses that students complete that focus on developing a foundation in the politics and policy of information networks.

How to Apply:
Fill out the online application for participation in the certificate program.
Upon processing of the application, you will be contacted
with information about the submission of additional
required materials. Thank you for your interest.

Admission Requirements

Applications for the Graduate Certificate in Information, Policy and Society will be considered from students enrolled in a graduate program at Virginia Tech and from non-degree and Commonwealth Campus students who have been permitted to take courses by the Graduate School. Certificates will be awarded upon application for the certificate and application for certificate conferral once course requirements have been completed.

Course Requirements

The certificate requires successful completion of a total of 12 credit hours, of which 9 credits are required courses and 3 are elective. Students need to receive a grade of B or better in each course to receive the certificate. Students will not be allowed to retake a course for a better grade if they receive below a B. All courses are for 3 credit hours. All students must complete:

* PSCI 5214 Contemporary Political Theory
* PSCI 5374 Electronic Governance
* PSCI 5554 Culture, Politics & Society in Network Environments

In addition, students must complete at least 3 credit hours from the following:

* PSCI 5354 Public Policy Analysis
* PSCI 5454 Advanced Topics in Information Technology and Policy