Academic Programs
STS draws on the full range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities to examine the ways that science and technology shape, and are shaped by, our society, politics, and culture. We study contemporary controversies, historical transformations, policy dilemmas, and broad philosophical questions.
We offer a Ph.D., M.S., or graduate certificate in science and technology studies. Students will learn the fundamental concepts and literature of science and technology and acquire the skills to identify and analyze the conceptual, social, cultural, historical, and political dimensions of science and technology. Graduates are prepared for academic positions in an diverse range of university programs or for advancement in government or industry careers.
Undergraduate minors in Humanities, Science, and Environment (HSE); Science, Technology, and Society (STSO); and Medicine and Society are available in Blacksburg. These minors provide students majoring in sciences, pre-health professions, engineering, and other fields, with perspectives on scientific areas drawn from social science and the humanities.