Master's Degree in Science, Technology & Society (STS)
Students in Drexel’s Science, Technology & Society master’s degree program investigate the co-production of science and society; that is, the many ways cultural, economic, historical, and political contexts influence science, technology and medicine, and how science, technology and medicine influence these contexts. Questioning the taken-for-granted, students hone their skills in humanities and social science research methods to examine the interactions among science, technology, identities and relationships, and how these are rooted in larger structural relationships. Through this program, graduate students explore the impact of new technologies and scientific knowledge as well as their many social, ethical and legal implications.
A Diversity of Perspectives
STS at Drexel takes on some of our most important questions in contemporary science, technology, and medicine with a multidisciplinary toolkit. Faculty in anthropology, criminal justice, history, information sciences, philosophy, political science, public health and sociology contribute to a curriculum that features a broad set of perspectives, all grounded in a foundation of critical thinking, strong research methods expertise, and clear writing and presentation skills.
Faculty and students research a range of topics including, but not limited to, the social dimensions of nanotechnology, disasters, food access, medicine and health, computing technologies, transportation systems, environment and sustainability, and diversity in the STEM workforce. Working with a primary advisor, graduate students develop an individualized plan of study that allows them to pursue their interests in depth.
STS Students
STS students are independent, creative thinkers who are dedicated to understanding the social dimensions of science, medicine and technology. While Drexel’s STS students vary widely in their professional and educational backgrounds and career ambitions, they share a common commitment to a rigorous critical approach to our world’s most pressing technoscientific challenges.
General Requirements
STS applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate studies at Drexel University; those with a GPA below 3.0 must provide GRE scores. The application also requires a personal statement (up to 500 words) describing the prospective student’s interest in STS. Entering students typically begin study during the fall quarter with a required introductory course. Students are able, though, to start the program during any quarter.
The M.S. in Science, Technology and Society requires 45 credits. This degree can be pursued either full-time or part-time. Soon after matriculation, the student completes a plan of study with the graduate advisor to outline his or her specific program. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.
The non-thesis option is solely course-based.
The thesis option requires completion of coursework, as well as an original research project mentored by a STS-affiliated faculty member. Students wishing to pursue Ph.D. programs are encouraged to elect the M.S. with thesis. To choose the M.S. thesis option, formal acceptance of a faculty member advisor must first be obtained.
Careers
The career opportunities for STS graduates are as diverse as the students. Drexel's STS program's emphasis on critical thinking, research methods and writing gives students the tools they need for careers as analysts in the private sector, nonprofit organizations, or educational settings. STS graduates can also prepare for careers inside the major systems they study: healthcare and medicine, computing and information systems, urban infrastructure design and oversight, environmental regulation, advocacy, and urban planning and risk management. An STS degree can help engineers, scientists, and medical professionals step into policy work by providing essential training in the social influences and consequences of scientific and technical initiatives. For students from a social sciences, humanities, and/or liberal arts background, a STS degree opens a door to professional advancement in technology or science-oriented organizations and settings. STS students also use the master's degree as a jumping-off point to further graduate studies in a range of fields including, but not limited to, science and technology studies, anthropology, sociology, political science, policy, law and medicine. You can read more about Drexel’s STS alumni here.
Requirements for Admission
Degree Requirements: M.S. in Science, Technology & Society
Science, Technology & Society Course Descriptions
Office of Graduate Studies
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Kelly Joyce
STS Program Director
MacAlister Hall, Room 3025
215-571-4449
kaj68@drexel.edu
Ms. Nirva LaFortune
STS Program Coordinator
MacAlister Hall, Room 3025
215-571-3852
nrl35@drexel.edu