How to declare a Science, Technology & Society (STSC) major:
1. Please read the requirements for the STSC major carefully. We encourage you to explore the website thoroughly before contacting faculty. The College's Major Advising Program (MAP) is also a great resource.
2. Submit the STSC application and schedule an advising meeting with the Associate Director or STSC Undergraduate Chair to discuss the major and your plans.
3. Submit the major declaration form on Path@Penn under "Declare/Update field of study."
Please Note:
- If a student who is planning a possible STSC major cannot get into a course (especially a core course) during the Course Selection Period but still wishes to take it, they should contact the instructor in advance to express their interest and attend the first lectures and recitations.
- For all STSC majors, the Associate Director is their major advisor, providing advice and support regarding the major. The STSC Undergraduate Chair also advises students on matters relating to the major.
- All STSC majors are responsible for knowing the major's requirements and for knowing and taking the courses necessary to fulfill those requirements.
What can I do with an STSC major?
What can’t you do? What do you want to do? Read "What STSC Graduates Do." They do everything.
What courses are recommended for exploring the STSC major?
Many of our introductory-level courses will help you explore the major. First-years are urged to consider one of the first-year seminars offered by the department.
Other courses that are excellent ways to explore the major include STSC 0100 (Emergence of Modern Science), STSC 0400 (Medicine in History, also HSOC 0400), STSC 0600 (Technology and Society), STSC 1600 (Information Age), and STSC 1880 (Environment and Society).
What if I am not ready to declare a major but have questions about STSC?
Reach out to the STSC Undergraduate Chair or to the Associate Director.
Can I minor in STSC?
Yes.
Can I double-major in STSC and something else?
Yes*
However, it means completing two sets of requirements, so careful planning is required. You must have 18 credits between the two majors that are not double-counted.
It is important to remember that it is not necessary to double major! What is most important is that you get the most out of your primary major and out of your undergraduate education, and that you do not sacrifice your educational journey to the challenges of fulfilling two sets of major requirements. Once you have graduated, double-majoring will matter little, but the quality, coherence, and depth of your major will matter a lot.
*With one exception: double-majoring between HSOC and STSC is not permitted.
Do courses double-count within the major?
No. For example, if you take STSC 0100 as a Foundations course, you may not use it also to fulfill any other requirement within the major.
Can I double-concentrate within the major?
No.
Can I double-count a College Sector with the major?
No. By default, the STSC major triggers the fulfillment of College Sector 4: Humanities and Social Sciences. Otherwise, the College prohibits a specific STSC course double-counting for both major and College Sector requirements.
Can AP credits count toward the STSC major?
No.
What if I am a transfer student? How do I get credit for courses taken at another school?
Go to the section on transfer students on the College website for information. Transfer courses must be submitted via the XCAT system. Credits from other institutions may be counted toward the STSC major based on the evaluation of the STSC Undergraduate Chair and Associate Director.
Can I get transfer credit for a summer course at another university?
Sometimes. Read the section about "credit away" on the College website. If you wish to take a course at another university, you must petition the department at Penn that has a course most closely matching the course you are planning to take.
Do LPS courses (courses offered through the College of Liberal and Professional Studies) count toward the STSC major?
Yes--if the course would count toward the major if offered in the College, then it counts if offered in LPS.
What does it mean to be on registration hold?
Any sophomore who has not declared a major by the time of Advanced Registration in the spring is put on registration hold until they do declare a major. This means that they cannot register for courses. As soon as sophomores declare a major, they are removed from registration hold (unless they are on registration hold for other reasons, in which case they need to talk with an advisor in the College office).
Can I take more STSC courses than the major requires?
Yes. You may take as many STSC courses as you wish.