History of Science, Medicine and Technology MA at University of Wisconsin Madison

One of the oldest, most prestigious academic programs of its kind in the United States, History of Science, Medicine, and Technology (HSMT) draws together faculty members in History and inMedical History and Bioethics. Collectively, we offer broad coverage of the field, with expertise that spans Europe, the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean, stretches from the Middle Ages to the recent past, and ranges across the physical, biological, and social sciences to medicine and technology.

Our degree program in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology is designed to meet the needs of the Ph.D. candidate, and weoffer fundingonly to students who intend to pursue the Ph.D. However, we also welcome applications from students who wish to earn only the M.A. if they have external funding or are self-funded. Students with doctoral training in one of the health professions may earn an M.A. in History of Medicine. It is also possible to earn a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree through the School of Medicine and Public HealthsMedical Scientist Training Programand the HSMT degree program.

History of Science, Medicine, and Technology at UWMadison is known for the strength and diversity of its areas of study and its warm, collegial environment. All historical aspects of science, medicine, and technology receive attentionfrom their internal development to their broader institutional, philosophical, religious, and literary contexts, as well as their relationships with print culture, visual culture, and material culture. Students and faculty regularly participate in the programs weekly Brown Bag and monthly colloquium series, both of which provide opportunities to present work, discuss professional issues, and engage with a wide range of on-campus and outside speakers.

Graduate students come to the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology degree program from a variety of backgrounds in the sciences and humanities and with diverse professional goals. The program maintains a policy of maximum flexibility and, insofar as possible, tailors the work required for the degree to fit the individual. Students are encouraged to undertake work in related programs such as history, philosophy, science,and technology studies, and the various sciences.

1. Articulates, critiques, or elaborates the theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry in HSMT.
2. Identifies sources and assembles evidence pertaining to questions or problems in HSMT.
3. Demonstrates understanding of science, medicine, and technology in a range of historical, social, cultural, and global contexts.
4. Chooses the most appropriate methodologies and practices for a chosen research project.
5. Demonstrates the ability to situate a historical question in relation to the existing literature, and to evaluate and synthesize information pertaining to questions or problems in HSMT.
6. Is able to construct a persuasive historical argument that makes an original contribution to historical knowledge.
7. Communicates clearly, in both written and oral form.
8. Recognizes and applies established principles of ethical and professional conduct.