STS Minor

The STS Minor is tailored for science and technology majors.  It requires science, engineering, and other technology majors to systematically consider the historical, social, cultural, political, and ethical aspects of science and technology. This gives science and technology majors a better understanding of important practical aspects of science and technology, in particular, the complex interaction between science and technology on the one hand and society on the other. Such practical understanding helps put in clearer focus such issues as political influence on science and technology funding, and the public understanding of science and technology.

In providing this broadening of perspective on science and technology, the STS Minor prepares science and technology majors to be better sensitive to social needs and to better understand the public's complex reaction to science and technology. In addition, the Minor provides background helpful for understanding the goals and methods of co-workers such as accountants, human resource professionals, and lawyers, better enabling use of ‘soft skills’ like communication, adaptability, and non-technical problem solving in the workplace.

In sum, the STS Minor provides science and technology majors with a sense of how science and technology exist in a broader human context.

Minor Advising Information

Please contact Peter Ross with advising questions about the STS Minor