Science and Technology in Society (M.S.)

About Our Program

Research in STS analyzes how society affects the development and implementation of scientific, technological, and medical knowledges and practices and how these pursuits affect society. The research and scholarly interests of STS faculty cross a wide range of disciplinary boundaries: some rely on fieldwork, others are immersed in historical or governmental archival research, while others develop social and conceptual analyses to answer theoretical or ethical questions.

Campuses:

Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus, National Capital Region Campus

Type of Instruction:

Residential/On Campus, Some Online Courses

Department of Science, Technology, and Society

30 hrs
Total Credit Hours

12 hrs
Core Requirement

12 hrs
Field Requirement

6-10 hrs
Research and Thesis
(non-thesis option: 6 STS credit hours)

Curriculum

What You'll Study

You will complete 30 credit hours including core requirements, electives, and/or research.

Graduate students in STS come from a wide range of backgrounds including the natural and physical sciences, engineering, numerous professional disciplines, liberal arts and humanities, history, anthropology, sociology, political science, and philosophy. Graduates emerge with an ability to identify and examine the conceptual, social, cultural, historical, and policy dimensions of science and technology.

Courses leading to an M.S. in STS are available at two sites, Virginia Tech's main campus in Blacksburg and the National Capital Region (NCR) in the greater D.C. metro area.

Plan of Study

Course List (Blacksburg)

Course List (NCR)

Time Table of Classes

Meet Our Faculty

Meet Our Current Students

Meet Our Alumni

Why choose this program?

We analyze how society affects the development and implementation of scientific, technological, and medical knowledges and practices and how these pursuits affect society.
The research and scholarly interests of our faculty cross a wide range of disciplinary boundaries.
Best fit for students interest in full-time graduate study on the campus of Virginia’s largest research university.
The graduate program in STS at Virginia Tech prepares students to be productive and publicly-engaged scholars, advancing research.

Our program offers two options to accommodate part-time or full-time enrollment.
All classes are taught in small seminars and offer personal interaction with faculty and peers.
Students conduct research that integrates science and technology with societal institutions, norms, and practices.
The part-time program and evening classes cater to working professionals. Convenient to the Washington DC Metro at West Falls Church.
All classes are taught in small seminars and offer personal interaction with faculty and peers. Students from all academic and professional backgrounds are welcome.

Admissions and Tuition

Admissions Requirements

Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
TOEFL/ IELTS score required (if applicable)

Learn more about admissions requirements

Application Deadlines

Domestic Application

*Fall: August 1
Spring: January 1
Summer I: May 1
Summer II: Jun 1

International Application

*Fall: April 1
Spring: September 1
Summer I: Jan 1
Summer II: Feb 1

*Deadline for admission with full consideration for funding: February 1

Tuition

Tuition and Fees

Funding Opportunities

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.

Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.