Science and Technology Studies (Ph.D.)

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

90 hrs
Total Credit Hours

15 hrs
Core Requirement

12 hrs
Field Requirement

24-33 hrs
Additional Credits

30 hrs
Research and Dissertation

Curriculum

What You'll Study

You will complete 90 credit hours including core requirements, fieldwork, electives, and 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 a Master’s or Ph.D. 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. The two locations share faculty and a common curriculum, and some courses are teleconferenced across campuses.

The Blacksburg campus is the best fit for students interested in full-time graduate study at Virginia’s largest research university. The Falls Church campus offers a part-time program and evening classes that cater to working professionals. Convenient to the Washington DC Metro station at West Falls Church.

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.
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 accomodate 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.
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)
GRE is optional
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.

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How to Apply