Frequently Asked Questions about Science, Technology & Society

What are the requirements for the STSC major?
STSC is a fourteen credit major. Students take two core courses, five in-major electives, six interdisciplinary courses in a field of concentration, and a research seminar.

STSC Fields of Concentration:
Animal Science and Medicine
Biology and Biomedical Science
Business and Information Technology
Energy, Environment and Technology
History and Sociology of Science
Policy Studies
Science and Society

To see major requirements click here.

How do I become a Science, Technology & Society (STSC) major?

What courses should I take if I want to explore whether STSC is a good major for me?
We suggest taking one of our freshman seminars or writing seminars, or taking STSC 001 (Emergence of Modern Science), STSC 003 (Technology and Society) or another introductory course.

What if I am not ready to declare a major but have questions about STSC?
Dr. Ensmenger, the program director (e-mail) or Dr. Greene, the undergraduate coordinator (e-mail) will be happy to meet with you.
Or you can contact a member of the STSC Undergraduate Advisory Board:

David Paul Lundmark
Victoria Frings
Rachel Meyer
David Reinecke
Mitch Steinberg

Can I double-major in STSC and something else?
Many STSC majors successfully double major. STSC works particularly well as a double major with the sciences, also with majors in history, environmental studies, information science, literature and the arts.

Courses may double count for two different majors, but the College requires that double majors complete a minimum of 18 courses between the two majors.

Can I minor in STSC?
Yes, there is a six-credit STSC minor.

What if I want to take courses for my concentration that are not on the list for that concentration?
Submit a petition to Dr. Greene or Dr. Ensmenger. The concentration templates are advisory rather than prescriptive, and many petitions are accepted. petition

Can I study abroad if I am an STSC major?
Yes! We encourage majors to take advantage of opportunities to study abroud. Be sure to discuss your plans with Dr. Ensmenger or Dr. Greene.

Do my pre-med courses count toward the STSC major?
Some pre-med courses may count toward a student's individual program.

What role does research play in the STSC major?
Research is an important part of the STSC program, and all STSC majors must fulfill the Capstone Research Requirement. Some may wish to continue for another semester to complete a senior thesis for honors. STSC majors are encouraged to explore other opportunities for research as well, such as internships and publication.

What is the Capstone Research Requirement?
This is a one-semester research requirement, fulfilled by taking any 400-level STSC or HSOC seminar, STSC/HSOC 420, or STSC 499, during the spring of junior year or fall of senior year.

I plan to do a research project by taking an internship. Can I get credit for this as part of my major?
Yes. You can do it as an independent study, or, if you do the project after the end of junior year, you may use the project to fulfill your Capstone research requirement.

Is there an honors program in the STSC major?
Yes. If you write a senior thesis, which takes two semesters, requires taking STSC 420 in the spring of junior year and STSC 498 in the fall of senior year, and produces a 50-80 page scholarly paper, you can graduate with honors in the major. It requires the completion of 15 credit units.

Where do I find advice and information on internships, summer jobs, and careers?
Follow the links for "Careers" and "Research and Internship Opportunities" on the Science, Technology and Society website. The STSC Undergraduate Advisory Board (follow the link) sponsors programs on careers and internships - check the "News and Events" page or contact members for more information.