Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology

SDG Alignment for Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Computer Science and Information Technology at Khon Kaen University is engineered to produce "innovators and entrepreneurs" who can integrate IT to drive sustainable development. The program's philosophy, focused on creating graduates with international-standard knowledge, ethical grounding, and social responsibility, is powerfully aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is a cornerstone for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), fostering innovation through courses on Artificial Intelligence, Smart City Development, and Digital Entrepreneurship. This directly fuels SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by producing a high-skilled workforce and entrepreneurs for the digital economy. On a societal level, the program supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through its emphasis on IT Law and Ethics and Computer System Security. It also connects to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through the application of technology for urban and rural development. As a graduate-level program, it is an archetype of SDG 4 (Quality Education), and its collaborative, project-based nature inherently fosters the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

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Alignment Summary: The program supports good health and well-being by educating students on the application of computer science and IT in the health sector. This includes developing systems for health data management and analysis, thereby contributing to the advancement of healthcare services.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 328 856	Health Data Science	Directly supports health and well-being by training students to analyze health data, enhancing the capacity of health systems for surveillance, research, and patient care (Target 3.D).

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: This master's program provides high-quality, specialized education in a critical technological field. It is designed to develop advanced research and technical skills, ensuring graduates are equipped for high-level employment and lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 328 897	Research Project	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity, equipping students with advanced research skills that are highly relevant for innovation and skilled employment (Target 4.4).
CP 328 998	Thesis	Ensures students acquire superior technical and research skills through original investigation, promoting skills for employment and entrepreneurship (Target 4.3 & 4.4).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: By producing graduates with expertise in high-demand areas like data science, AI, and digital entrepreneurship, the curriculum directly fuels the digital economy. It promotes high-value job creation, innovation, and economic diversification, contributing to sustained and inclusive economic growth.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 328 755	Digital Entrepreneurship	Promotes entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, which are fundamental to job creation and supporting development-oriented policies in the digital era (Target 8.3).

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: The program is at the forefront of fostering innovation and building modern digital infrastructure. Students learn to develop advanced software, create intelligent systems, and manage complex IT projects, which are all critical components for promoting inclusive, sustainable industrialization and upgrading technological capabilities.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 328 731	Software Process and Quality Assurance	Provides the foundational skills for creating high-quality software that drives industrial innovation and upgrades technological capabilities across all sectors (Target 9.5).
CP 328 851	Artificial Intelligence Paradigm	Enhances scientific research by teaching the core principles of AI, a key driver of industrial innovation (Target 9.5).
CP 328 855	Deep Learning	Fosters innovation by providing skills in cutting-edge AI technologies that can be applied to develop new industrial processes and services (Target 9.B).

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to reducing inequalities by applying technology to solve challenges in diverse communities. The course on ICT for rural development, for example, directly addresses the digital divide and aims to promote social and economic inclusion for rural populations.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 328 732	Information and Communication Technology for Rural Development	Directly aims to empower and promote the social and economic inclusion of rural communities by leveraging ICT, helping to reduce inequalities (Target 10.2).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The program provides the advanced technical knowledge required to build and manage smart cities. Graduates can develop and implement IT solutions for urban planning, resource management, and public service delivery, contributing to making cities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 328 751	Smart City Development	Directly addresses the need for integrated and sustainable human settlement planning by focusing on the technologies and strategies for creating smart cities (Target 11.3). This also supports strengthening links between urban and rural areas (Target 11.A).

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The program promotes responsible production by emphasizing sustainability in computing. Students learn about efficient resource use and are encouraged to develop technologies that support a more sustainable and circular economy.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 328 754	Computing for Sustainability	Encourages the adoption of sustainable practices by educating students on how to develop and use technology in an environmentally and socially responsible manner (Target 12.6).

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum reinforces the principles of strong and ethical institutions by focusing on computer system security, law, and ethics. By training professionals who can protect digital infrastructure and ensure the responsible use of technology, the program helps build transparent, accountable, and just institutions for the digital age.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 328 831	Advanced Computer and Information System Security	Contributes to building effective and accountable institutions by providing the skills to protect against cybercrime and ensure the integrity of digital systems (Target 16.5 & 16.6).
CP 328 834	Information Technology Law and Ethics	Promotes the rule of law by educating students on the legal and ethical frameworks that govern technology, ensuring responsible innovation and protecting fundamental freedoms (Target 16.3 & 16.10).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The field of computer science and IT is inherently global and collaborative. This program fosters a spirit of partnership through its research-intensive focus, preparing students to work in multi-stakeholder teams to develop and share knowledge and technology for sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
CP 328 897	Research Project	Promotes partnerships through research that often involves collaboration with industry or academic partners, enhancing knowledge-sharing for sustainable development (Target 17.16).
CP 328 998	Thesis	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships by creating new knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical sustainability challenges through technology (Target 17.17).