Undergraduate Certificate in Public Interest Technology

Develop social literacy, pragmatic strategies to promote the public interest, and further technological understanding

Apply Learn More

This interdisciplinary certificate—administrated under the Information Technology Program and open to all undergraduate students in every major across the campus, regardless of their primary field of study—aims to give students a background in Public Interest Technology through the opportunity to develop social literacy, pragmatic strategies to promote the public interest, and technological literacy. 

Students with this background, no matter what their major, will be able to address problems in a more socially responsible way, i.e. in a way that both empowers them and promotes the well-being of the communities in which they live. Our goal is to educate new generations of “Public Interest Technologists” – people who think carefully about advances in technology with the public interest and public good in mind. 

Questions? Charlie Schweik (324 Holdsworth Hall) is the Academic Advisor for the PIT Certificate.
E-mail: itadvisor [at] umass [dot] edu (itadvisor[at]umass[dot]edu)  
Make an Appointment

Mechanical Engineering

From developing innovative prosthetic limbs to advanced wind turbines, harness your creativity as a UMass Amherst mechanical engineering student. 

Biomedical Engineering

From biomechanics to health care delivery, biomedical engineering students at UMass Amherst are revolutionizing the future of human health—and you can, too. 

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering students at UMass Amherst work diligently to develop new vaccines, discover alternative fuels,  and create innovative materials. 

Civil Engineering

From transportation and water systems to buildings and more, UMass Amherst Civil Engineering students protect natural resources and improve lives.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineering students at UMass Amherst are designing and programming everything from complex software systems to autonomous vehicles—and you can, too.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering students at UMass Amherst play a hands-on role in the future of technology in communication, health care, smart cities, and more.