Science and Technology Studies (Ph.D.)
Science and Technology Studies (STS) explores how science, technology, and medicine shape—and are shaped by—the world around us. We ask big questions: How do social, political, and cultural forces influence what counts as knowledge? How do new technologies change the way we live, work, and make decisions?
Our faculty approach these questions from a variety of perspectives. Some conduct hands-on fieldwork, engaging directly with communities and technologies in practice. Others delve into historical or governmental archives to trace how knowledge and technology have developed over time. Still others focus on social, conceptual, and ethical analysis, addressing the theoretical and practical challenges these developments raise.
By combining these approaches, the STS program helps students see science and technology not as isolated phenomena, but as deeply intertwined with society. Through small seminars, close faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary research, our program prepares students to tackle complex problems, contribute to scholarly debates, and thoughtfully engage with the ethical and practical questions that arise in today’s rapidly changing world.
Whether you’re aiming to pursue research, policy, or applied work, our program offers the tools and mentorship to turn your curiosity into impact—preparing you to engage with science and technology as social forces.
15 hrs
CORE REQUIREMENT
12 hrs
FIELD REQUIREMENT
24-33 hrs
ADDITIONAL CREDITS
30 hrs
RESEARCH & DISSERTATION
CAMPUSES
BLACKSBURG
Our Blacksburg campus program serves traditional doctoral students who are pursuing their degree full time and are based on campus, with most courses offered in person and a limited selection available online.
ARLINGTON
The Arlington campus program is designed for working professionals, offering part-time study through a combination of evening classes and online coursework.
CURRICULUM
Graduate students in STS complete 90 credit hours, including core courses, electives, fieldwork, and dissertation research. Students may be able to apply a limited number of graduate-level transfer credits toward the program, in accordance with Virginia Tech Graduate School policies.
Students explore topics such as the history and philosophy of science and technology, ethical and policy issues in scientific research, and STS-specific research designs and practices. Opportunities for specialization are available through graduate certificates, including Bioethics and Nuclear Science, Technology, and Policy, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.
Through this curriculum, our program equips graduates with skills to analyze complex societal problems, conduct interdisciplinary research, and communicate insights effectively. Alumni pursue a wide range of careers, including academic research and teaching, science and technology policy, public engagement and outreach, consulting, and roles in government, industry, and nonprofit organizations where they apply STS perspectives in real-world contexts.
ADMISSIONS AND APPLICATION INFORMATION
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- An academic writing sample
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably from former professors
- A letter of interest describing research goals, relevant experience, and motivations for pusuing graduate education in STS
- Official GRE is optional for Ph.D. in Science and Technology in Society by the Department of Science, Technology, and Society. Please have the testing agency send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859.
- TOEFL/ IELTS score required of all non-US citizens or non-US permanent residents (see if you qualify for a waiver here)
To apply to the graduate program, students must submit the Virginia Tech Graduate School online application.
A $75 fee is required with the application for degree-seeking students, though you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Applicants will need to include a scanned copy of their college transcripts with the online application and then arrange for an official copy to be sent to the Graduate School upon an offer of admission. Official transcripts should be sent directly from your institution(s) to Virginia Tech Graduate Admissions. The STS Ph.D. program does not require applicants to identify a research supervisor before applying. We encourage prospective students to explore our faculty profiles to get a sense of the department’s diverse research areas and collaborative environment. As part of the application, you will be asked to describe your research interests and indicate three faculty members whose expertise aligns with your proposed focus.
Semester |
Domestic Applicant |
International Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Fall* | August 1* | April 1* |
| Spring | January 1 | September 1 |
| Summer I | May 1 | January 1 |
| Summer II | June 1 | February 1 |
* Deadline for admission with full consideration for funding: February 1
The STS department has a limited number of graduate assistantships and fellowships available for students applying for full-time study on the Blacksburg Campus. Entering students can apply for such funding as part of their admissions application. No separate application is required.
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Contact Us
If you have questions about pursuing a Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies, please contact:
Program Specialist
Sarah Harvey
Graduate Coordinator
121 Lane Hall
540-231-0719
saharvey1@vt.edu
Program Leaders
Matthew Wisnioski
Graduate Director
331 Lane Hall
mwisnios@vt.edu
Sonja Schmid
NCR Co-Director
Northern Virginia Center
703-538-8482
sschmid@vt.edu
Janet Abbate
NCR Co-Director
Northern Virginia Center
703-538-3768
abbate@vt.edu