Science and Technology in Society (M.S.)
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.
CORE COURSEWORK
12 hrs
CORE REQUIREMENT
12 hrs
FIELD REQUIREMENT
PATH OPTIONS
6 hrs
ADDITIONAL STS CREDITS
6-10 hrs
RESEARCH & THESIS
CAMPUSES
ARLINGTON
The Arlington campus program is designed for working professionals, offering part-time study through a combination of evening classes and online coursework.
BLACKSBURG
Our Blacksburg campus program serves traditional masters 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.
CURRICULUM
The M.S. in Science and Technology Studies is designed to be flexible and interdisciplinary, supporting students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Students complete 30 credit hours through a combination of core coursework, electives, and a choice between thesis and non-thesis pathways. In accordance with Virginia Tech Graduate School policies, a limited number of graduate-level transfer credits may be accepted, allowing some students to apply prior coursework toward degree requirements.
Students enter the program from fields such as the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and professional disciplines. The curriculum is intentionally adaptable, enabling students to shape their program around individual interests and career goals. In addition to departmental options such as Bioethics and Nuclear Science, Technology, and Policy, students may pursue a variety of Virginia Tech Graduate School certificates to further tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.
THESIS TRACK
For students who want a research-intensive master’s experience.
Complete 4 Core courses, 4 Electives, and 6 credit hours of Research & Thesis. Students will develop a thesis proposal, conduct original research, write the thesis, and complete a final defense.
Important note: This track is best for students who want a standalone master’s degree. We do not recommend this path if you plan to continue into the Ph.D. program.
NON-THESIS TRACK
For working professionals or students seeking a coursework-centered degree.
Complete 4 Core courses and 6 Electives in a format designed for flexibility. This option allows students to focus on coursework without a thesis requirement.
Important note: Credits from the non-thesis M.S. may be applied toward the STS Ph.D.
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 M.S. 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.
| 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 an M.S. 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