Science & Technology Studies (BA)

About this programme

In today’s world, we often hear about the impacts of science and technology on society. What is less visible is the social shaping of science and technology, whether through the design of algorithms, environmental controversies, regulatory policy, or simply the everyday cultures of laboratory life, which vary in time and place. The field of science and technology studies (STS) examines not only the impacts of science and technology, but also their social shaping. STS explores the practices that shape science and technology, examines their social and cultural context, and analyzes their political and ethical implications. Methods and concepts learned through the STS major provide insight on contemporary issues such as ethical dilemmas of biomedicine, the historical construction of race, environmental justice, algorithmic fairness, cybersecurity and privacy, among others. STS provides a strong liberal arts background from which students can go on to careers in law, medicine, environmental policy, business, and a variety of other professions where the social aspects of science and technology loom large.