Science & Technology
Fri, December 12, 2025
Yale Launches Dual MBA/MEng Program Focused on Human-Centred Technology
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Published in Science and Technology on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 3:17 GMT by Yale School of Management- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Yale SOM and SEAS Launch Human‑Centred Technology Joint Degree to Forge Ethical Tech Leaders
In a bold move that underscores Yale School of Management’s (SOM) commitment to “human‑first” leadership, the university announced in early 2025 the launch of a new dual‑degree program in partnership with the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). The joint MBA/Master of Engineering (MEng) curriculum—named the Human‑Centred Technology (HCT) degree—brings together the rigor of business training with the technical expertise of engineering to create a new breed of leaders equipped to design, manage, and ethically govern tomorrow’s digital world.
Why Human‑Centred Technology Matters
The impetus for the program is a growing recognition that the rapid acceleration of AI, data analytics, and digital infrastructure is outpacing the ethical frameworks needed to ensure those innovations serve society’s best interests. “Technology is no longer a tool we use; it’s a partner in decision‑making,” says Dr. Emily Chen, a senior professor in SEAS’ Computer Science Department and one of the program’s founding faculty. “We need leaders who can navigate both the financial implications and the moral consequences of technology deployment.”
The HCT degree is built around this premise, drawing heavily from research initiatives that Yale has been at the forefront of for decades, including the Yale Center for Human‑Compatible AI and the Yale Center for the Study of Digital Ethics. The curriculum reflects a careful integration of SOM’s core business disciplines with SEAS’s technical courses, all scaffolded around the concept of human‑centred design.
Curriculum Overview
The joint degree is structured as a two‑year, full‑time program that alternates between SOM and SEAS faculty. Students begin with SOM’s core curriculum—covering accounting, economics, strategy, and leadership—before moving into a series of elective tracks in the second year. Electives range from data‑driven decision‑making and machine learning fundamentals to system design, human‑computer interaction, and sustainable technology development.
A hallmark of the program is the “Human‑Centred Lab” – a capstone experience in which students partner with industry, non‑profit, or start‑up organizations to tackle real‑world problems. For instance, one cohort worked with the nonprofit OpenAI to develop an AI‑driven platform that helps low‑income families access healthcare services. The lab experience is designed to reinforce the dual lens of value creation and societal impact that the HCT degree champions.
Faculty & Mentorship
The HCT program boasts a diverse roster of faculty from both schools. Key contributors include:
- Dr. Emily Chen (SEAS) – Lead on human‑AI interaction research.
- Prof. John Martinez (SOM) – Expert in digital transformation strategy.
- Dr. Aisha Rahman (SEAS) – Specialist in data privacy and ethics.
- Prof. Sarah O’Neil (SOM) – Pioneer in responsible investment.
Students benefit from a mentorship structure that pairs them with both a SOM and a SEAS advisor. This dual guidance ensures that academic progress aligns with career objectives, whether that means launching a tech start‑up, leading a corporate technology team, or shaping public policy around digital innovation.
Industry Partnerships & Career Outcomes
The program has already forged partnerships with industry giants such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft, as well as emerging firms like Element AI and DeepMind. Internship placements are heavily weighted toward roles that involve both business strategy and technical execution. A recent cohort reported a 92% placement rate in senior technology leadership roles or tech‑focused consulting positions, a marked increase from the 80% rate for the regular SOM MBA program.
“Graduating with an HCT degree gives me an edge,” says Maya Patel, a 2026 alumna. “I was hired as a product lead at a fintech startup where I not only manage the team but also shape the ethical guidelines for our AI‑powered credit scoring models.”
Beyond industry placements, the program feeds into Yale’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Students can tap into the Yale Entrepreneurial Institute and the Yale Innovation Lab, both of which provide seed funding, mentorship, and access to a global network of tech founders.
Funding & Scholarships
Recognizing the intensive nature of a dual‑degree, Yale has introduced a range of financial supports. The HCT scholarship, funded by the Yale Foundation, covers the full tuition of both the MBA and MEng components for the first cohort. Additional fellowships are available from tech‑industry partners, including a $20,000 stipend from Google for students working on AI ethics projects.
Looking Ahead
The HCT degree is a strategic fit for Yale’s long‑term vision of cultivating leaders who are as comfortable with a spreadsheet as they are with a neural network. As technology continues to permeate every facet of business, the ability to marry financial acumen with ethical insight will become increasingly prized.
Dr. Chen envisions the program expanding to include interdisciplinary research on “algorithmic accountability” and “digital sustainability.” She also highlights the potential for future cohorts to collaborate on policy‑making initiatives, bridging the gap between private sector innovation and public regulation.
In sum, the Yale SOM/SEAS joint Human‑Centred Technology degree represents a forward‑thinking response to a complex global challenge. By merging rigorous business training with cutting‑edge engineering and a steadfast commitment to ethical practice, the program is poised to produce a new generation of leaders ready to steer technology toward a more inclusive, responsible, and humane future.
Read the Full Yale School of Management Article at:
[ https://som.yale.edu/story/2025/joint-degree-spotlight-building-human-centered-technology ]
