About STS
Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field
of study that seeks to explore and understand the many ways that
science and technology shape culture, values, and institutions,
and how such factors
shape science and technology. We all depend heavily upon science
and technology, and STS examines how science and technology emerge,
how they enter society,
how they change through social processes, and how society changes,
as well. Many examples illustrate these relationships:
Biotechnologies—Genetic science and engineering opens up the possibility of humans taking control of life, itself. By altering the genetic makeup of plants, animals, and, eventually, humans, we will change forever our relationship to nature.
Globalization & Economic Competitiveness—The growing scale of economic competition portends a "global culture," tied together by computers, satellites, and the Internet. What effects are these developments already having on workers, consumers, and nations? What will the future hold?
The Internet—The emergence and spread
of computer-mediated communications is one of the fastest growing
revolutionary technologies in history. The Internet
will likely change how we understand community, personal identity, and the transfer
of information around the world.
Weapons Technologies, Terrorism, and Security—The arms race continues, even after the fall of the
Soviet Union. Nuclear weapons, missile delivery systems, chemical and biological
weapons, as well as ever-more-destructive conventional weapons, present unique
and compelling problems for all humanity.
These, and many other new sciences and technologies, are among the most powerful
forces operating in the world today. It is crucial that those of us who create,
use, consume, and live with the products of modern science and technology understand
these forces; this is the intellectual goal of Science, Technology, and Society.
Careers
Undergraduates in STS do well on the job market, too. Careers wait in several fields, for example:
- A student trained in STS might choose to enter science journalism, using her training to help translate complex developments in science and technology into readable and understandable language for non-experts.
- An STS graduate might work as a consultant, for business or for government, helping to communicate effectively between experts and policymakers.
- An STS graduate might work within the health care industry, helping to manage the delivery of health services.
- An STS graduate might work in science museums,
assisting in the presentation of scientific information to
the public.
Many STS graduates go on to advanced or graduate education in law, medicine, business, communication, or policy sciences. Today about 25 universities in the U.S. and several in Europe, offer graduate degrees in science, technology, and society, for students eager to advance further in the field. Further explore other institutions with STS Programs.
