Technology and Social Behavior
Degree Types: PhD
The combined PhD in Communication and Computer Science, known as the PhD in Technology and Social Behavior (TSB), provides training in social science methods to study human behavior and computer technology. Students design and implement new technologies, practice incorporating the results of empirical research into these technologies, and prepare for a wide range of academic and industrial jobs.
Students receive rigorous training in social sciences, human-computer interaction, and computer science methodologies. The curriculum combines requirements from Computer Science in the McCormick School of Engineering and the Media, Technology & Society (MTS) PhD Program in the School of Communication.
Students have the opportunity to spend summers carrying out research on the Evanston campus, or participate in research internships at companies throughout the technology industry.
The TSB program draws on Northwestern's strong support for interdisciplinary study, benefits from talented faculty who contribute to a tradition of collaboration, and attracts unique students who are eager for academic experiences that cross school and department boundaries.
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Learning objective(s)/Students should be able to…
- Gain an understanding and appreciation for research ethics and responsible conduct of research.
- Gain expertise in teaching.
- Gain teaching assistant or teaching experience.
- Develop professional development skills for academic and industry careers.
- Develop networking skills and interact with thought leaders in the discipline.
- Develop foundational knowledge for research via course requirements in both computer science and the behavior/social sciences.
- Demonstrate topical mastery and produce a culminating academic experience.
- Demonstrate an ability to develop and contribute original research ideas to the scholarly community.
- Demonstrate capacity for performing independent scholarly research.
- Define professional goals (e.g., academic or industry research position) and track progress through program as well as toward long-term professional goals.
- Articulate broader impacts of research.
- Communicate and improve research papers and provide feedback to peers.