The Science, Technology and Society B.S. program prepares students to integrate science and technology with the humanities and social sciences. We expect that, as a student and/or graduate of the Science, Technology and Society program, you will:
- Be informed. Learn the widest sense of how science and technology have transformed society, for better or worse.
- Be a leader. Students will be able to achieve a total view of the actual and potential effect of transformations in society to be able to take charge of the introduction and management of any scientific/technological innovations.
- Be a team player. Students demonstrate accuracy and efficiency in group setting, including working well in traditional and digital environments.
- Be a researcher. Students will establish competency in drawing research conclusions, particularly in STS-related fields of policy, economics, and culture.
- Be a communicator. Students will employ a variety of research techniques, both traditional and digital, to inform analysis, presentation, and implementation. Articulate ideas lucidly through traditional forms of print and new forms of digital literacy.
Through its multidisciplinary approach, the Science, Technology and Society (STS) major explores the interrelated worlds of the scientist, artist, engineer, politician, and citizen. Furthermore, the global, multicultural, and environmental perspective of STS develops ethical awareness and public responsibility. The program is designed to accommodate both single and double majors and makes for an especially effective complement to the more customary programs characteristic of an engineering and applied science university.
We specifically aim for our students to meet the following learning outcomes:
- Fully Informed: The student demonstrates a wide and many-sided view of how science and technology have transformed society, for better or worse.
- Leadership: The student demonstrates the necessary skills to lead discussions, analysis, and also engage with critical issues in this field. Does the student know enough of the actual and potential effect of transformations in society to be able to take charge of the introduction and management of any scientific/technological innovations?
- Collaboration: The student demonstrates accuracy and efficiency in a group setting while working collectively in both traditional and digital environments.
- Research and Information Literacy: The student is able to demonstrate rigorous hypothesizing, methods (quantitative and qualitative) in the effort to draw researched conclusions, particularly in the critical fields of policy, philosophy, economics, and cultural analysis.
- Communication in Multiple Formats (Print and Digital Literacy): The student demonstrates the ability to articulate ideas lucidly through traditional forms of print and new forms of digital literacy to a variety of audiences in order to obtain clarity and depth via a multidisciplinary approach. An ability to conduct and participate in research relevant to the student's area of program specialization.
