Academic Program
Learn more about the department courses and requirements
The intellectual roots of STS lie in the history, philosophy, and social study of science and technology, an arena where often-controversial issues and choices interface with values and influence public policy. STS prepares students to understand both the technical and social dimensions of science and technology, helps them become more thoughtful and better-informed citizens of our high-tech society, and develops their critical interdisciplinary thinking, research, and communication skills. Students flourish intellectually in an environment where critical questioning is encouraged and opportunities for research are abundant. The STS program maintains a full slate of guest speakers, often co-sponsored by other departments, for the benefit of students and the larger community.
Studying Science, Technology, and Society (STS) may be a good choice for you:
- If you would like to learn about the history, philosophy, sociology, and other human dimensions of science, technology, and medicine.
- If you are interested in Big Questions such as the human / nature relationship, what it means to be human, and the ways science and technology shape the ways we live, work, play, and think.
- If you wish to combine STS with other fields of study in the liberal arts and sciences, including engineering and pre-med.
- If you value a course of study that cares deeply about teaching, provides abundant opportunities for interaction with faculty and with your peers, and will challenge you and rigorously train you in essential research, writing, and presentation skills that will be valuable for you, no matter what career path you choose.
What can you do with an STS major?
- The simple answer is, “Most anything and everything.” STS opens doors. Our graduates have gone on to the best graduate and professional schools in history, philosophy, public policy, science, engineering, medicine, business, and journalism, to name but a few areas. Employers and graduate schools are looking for individuals who are liberally educated, analytically skilled in the social sciences, and able to see the larger cultural, social, and policy implications of scientific and technical developments. STS is liberal arts education for life.
If you are interested in learning more about what the STS Program offers, or if you have questions, please feel free to contact Professor Hanlon ([email protected]).