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Technology, AI, and Society

PhD Program

The PhD program in Technology, Policy, and Innovation is designed for researchers in socio-technical systems, technology governance, and innovation policy.
If a student joins the program, the student will be required to visit Stony Brook University (SBU) to complete their required courses (SOC/POL: 501 & 502) for Part B and prepare for Part A.
If the student earned 24 credits toward their PhD program, the 7-year time limit will begin and the student will be required to complete their PhD within the time.
Anyone who has questions regarding the program, please contact the department's graduate program director.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Degree Bachelor's degree in engineering, naturcal science, social science, mathematics, or a related field.

    Note: A master's degree is not required for the TPI PhD program. Direct PhD is available.

  • GPA: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 and strong academic preparation.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three academic or research references.
  • Research Preparedness: Evidence of prior academic research experience or relevant project work.
  • English: TOEFL minimum 85 / IELTS overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0).

Required Documentation

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed research and academic profile.
  • Statement of Purpose: Research objectives and academic fit with the department.
  • Official Transcripts: Undergraduate and any graduate records.
  • Diplomas: Undergraduate and any graduate diplomas.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three letters from faculty or research supervisors.

    Note: At least one letter must be from a current DTS faculty member, sent directly to the department.

Required Courses

Core Required Courses - Course Code, Course Title, Graduate Credits
Course Code Course Title Graduate Credits
EST 600 Technology, Policy, and Innovation: Theory and Practice 4 credits
EST 610 Data Analysis for Technology, Policy and Innovation 3 credits
EST 625 Advanced Theory and Practice in Technology and Policy 3 credits
SOC 501 Multivariate Statistics for Social Science 3 credits
SOC 502 Multivariate Regression Techniques 3 credits
POL 501 Introductory Statistics 3 credit
POL 502 Intermediate Statistics 3 credit

Note: Students may take SOC 501 instead of POL 501, and SOC 502 instead of POL 502 to fulfill the 6 graduate credits from a social science department.

Areas of Concentration

Areas of Concentration - Focus Area, Description
Focus Area Description
Technology Policy & Innovation Research on regulation, governance, and the social impacts of emerging technologies.

Doctoral Milestones & Exams

1. Parts B (@ SUNY Korea & SBU)

Achieve and complete a 3.70 average in required courses:

  • EST 610, SOC 501 or POL 501, SOC 502 or POL 502

Note 1: EST 610, SOC 501 or POL 501, SOC 502 or POL 50 are not offered at SUNY Korea. Students are required to visit SBU for those courses.

Note 2: Students must pass Part B first and then proceed to Part A.

Note 3: Students must maintain a minimum letter grade of A- on all Part B courses.

2. Part A (@ SBU)

Submit a written report and present original research by the fourth semester.

3. Dissertation Proposal Defense (@ SBU & SUNY Korea)

Defend a written research proposal within 18 months of the qualifying exam.

4. Advancement to Candidacy (@ SUNY Korea)

Advance to G5 status and maintain active research registration.

Graduation & Residency Requirements

  • Dissertation Committee: During SBU visiting, the student is recommended to form a dissertation committee. Generally, the committee members should be 2 from SBU, 2 from SUNY Korea, and at least 1 from an external institution. Advising faculty of the student is not allowed to be a committe chair.
  • Teaching Requirement: Taking a 'Teaching or Practicum Experience' is required for graduation.
  • SBU Residency: Complete at least two consecutive semesters at SBU, as full-time is required for the program.

Graduate Admissions

Explore the admission requirements or start your application to join our graduate programs at SUNY Korea.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

View eligibility criteria, required documents, test requirements, and important deadlines.

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START YOUR APPLICATION

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If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office at gradadmission@sunykorea.ac.kr or the department at tas@sunykorae.ac.kr.