Tech Leadership & Management Curriculum

APT-610: Systems & Critical Thinking (3.00)

This course introduces systems thinking as an approach to problem solving and a way to address future needs. Systems thinking allows students to view a problem or need from a holistic perspective rather than the individual parts. This course also incorporates concepts to promote critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

APT-615: Ethical Use of Technology and Data (3.00)

In this course students will research, identify, formulate perspectives, and discuss ethical challenges in the use of technology and data. Ethical challenges investigated may include, but are not limited to: environmental impacts, privacy considerations, public safety, workplace exposure, data gathering and sharing, and intellectual property. Students analyze a range of case studies related to ethical issues in emerging technologies and data collection and use.

APT-625: Human Centered Design & Implementation (3.00)

This course guides students through the systematic process of identifying systems objectives from a human perspective, how to accomplish these objectives and how to bring the solution into operation. Students utilize human centered design, along with other design techniques, to bridge the gap between problem domain and the solution domain.

APT-630: Managing & Leading Technical Teams (3.00)

This course has a significant leadership component with a focus on technical leadership and working with and on technical teams. Techniques for facilitating technical meetings as well as communications, in terms of technical writing and presentations, are an integral part of the course.

APT-600: Foundations of Applied Technology (3.00)

This course uses problem based learning to introduce students to a variety of technology domains used to address human needs and challenges. Technology domains of study may include electrical, mechanical, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cybernetics and computer technology. Students analyze a range of case studies and identify technology solutions for scenarios presented. Additionally, students are introduced to methodologies to conduct experimentation and testing.

APT-620: Modeling & Simulation for Insight (3.00)

Students in this course utilize modeling and simulation to enhance their skills in communications, decision making, optimization, cause and effects analysis, and engineering economics. The course introduces deterministic and stochastic modeling techniques, as well as different simulation methodologies. Topics include problem formulation, conceptual modeling, simulation methodologies, verification and validation, design of experiments, simulation execution, and output analysis.

APT-635: Emerging Technologies (3.00)

Existing technologies evolve rapidly, and new technologies are constantly emerging. This course explores current and emerging technologies, as well as broader trends. It also incorporates the management of technology to include technology refresh, integration and phase-out along with interfaces to other emerging technologies.

APT-640: Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making (3.00)

This course focuses on problem definition and formulation, problem solving, decision-making and risk analysis. Students learn to apply problem solving tools, materials, and methods. Basic modeling and simulation methods are also incorporated to support analysis and decision-making.

APT-695: Topics in Applied Technology (3.00)

Topics courses allow faculty to develop unique courses that reflect their individual research and interests and that represent important current directions in the field of applied technology. The course topic, requirements, and learning outcomes will be determined by the instructor. The course will incorporate, when appropriate, problem based learning as applied to the topic area and a lab component to allow for experimentation of the different technologies associated with the topic.

DVS-600: Principles of Data Visualization (3.00)

This course covers the fundamental elements of the database, semi-structured data, and unstructured data. Students will gain familiarity with data visualization concepts, techniques, and tools, including acquisition, augmentation, and restructuring; data storage and aggregation; access to parallel and distributed computing; high-volume data, disparate sources, and performance; and streaming data and dynamic queries. The student will learn to use several programming languages and software packages to create a range of data analyses and visualizations.

DVS-625: Interactive Visualizations (3.00)

This course focuses on interactive data visualizations, including web-based applications.
Students will design interactive visualizations with the primary purpose of exploring data.
Emphasis will be placed on the unique aspects of user interaction with the data.

DVS-630: Communication of Data (3.00)

In this course, students will develop the oral and written presentation skills demanded in data-driven environments. Students will learn to identify and articulate business questions and then translate data into compelling and effective narratives for decision-making. This course will introduce students to a variety of media that can be used in the analysis, interpretation, creation, and transfer of information. The importance of understanding the context, the audience, and the intended use of the data are emphasized.

EAM-610: Principles of Evaluation Design (3.00)

This course will examine the role of evaluations in organizations, policy making, programmatic decision-making and fundraising. It will introduce research designs commonly employed to monitor ongoing programs and measure outcomes. The course will also address strategies for engaging stakeholders in evaluations. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify the appropriate research design for a specific evaluation need, taking into consideration financial and logistical constraints. Students will also design logic models to guide evaluation planning.

EAM-620: Data Collection (3.00)

This course prepares students to use both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and will address, how, when, and why different methods are deployed. In this course, students will learn about quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, sampling strategies for quantitative research, how to design effective survey questions, conduct focus groups and in-depth interviews, understand the role of sample size, select categories of quantitative variables, and assess the reliability and validity of their measurement tools. (See advisor prior to registration.) 

EAM-630: Data Analysis I (3.00)

This course provides an overview of the theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and teaches practical skills related to data management, analysis, and theory development. Students will learn to code and interpret qualitative data and to interpret statistics most commonly used in evaluation sciences.

EAM-640: Project Management (3.00)

Successful interventions and evaluations depend on strong planning and project management skills. This course covers skills and strategies related to budgets, planning, stakeholder engagement, staff supervision, and fundraising. Additionally, students will learn about different leadership styles and will work to develop leadership skills.

SOI-610: Principles of Social Innovation (3.00)

In this course, students are provided a historical perspective on the development of social institutions, programs, and policies and how such institutions, programs and policies aim to address social problems. Students study the influences of power, oppression, and differences on how various social problems are viewed, experienced, expressed and addressed. Students also learn methods of current social policy analysis and social problem evaluation.

SOI-635: Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy (3.00)

The Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy course provides a historical overview of the nonprofit sector and its role in addressing social problems. Students will learn tools and skills applicable to the management of nonprofit and non-governmental organizations, particularly in relation to for-profit businesses and governmental agencies. Students will also learn about the influence of philanthropy, voluntarism, advocacy and social movements on organizational policy, strategy and management.

WDC-614: Grant and Proposal Writing (3.00)

This course covers the complete process of grant and proposal writing and the contexts and strategies of the philanthropic environment. Students will learn how to research funding opportunities, identify and plan successful projects, devise achievable goals and budgets, write proposals for public and private foundations, follow up on both successes and rejections, and incorporate digital technologies.

WDC-615: The Craft of Analytical Writing (3.00)

In this workshop-style course, students will hone the writing and speaking skills necessary for success in their academic and professional careers. Reading assignments will focus on developing sophisticated critical analysis and argumentation skills adaptable for different purposes and audiences. Writing assignments will focus on developing clear, persuasive prose at the sentence, paragraph, and essay levels, culminating in drafting and revising an original research paper, which students will adapt for a 10-15 minute oral presentation.

WDC-618: Technologies of Social Change (3.00)

Students will learn to analyze the impact of digital technology on the formation and effectiveness of social movements and on social change. Focusing on both historical and current events, this course examines the roles of rhetoric and technology in collective action whether in the form of social movements or as embodied and enacted by individuals. We will also study the role of digital communication in promoting behavioral change, such as in the fields of public health or politics.