BA in Science and Technology Studies in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The Science and Technology Studies (STS) program integrates humanities and social sciences viewpoints with science, technology, and medicine. Students in STS develop critical thinking skills, investigate debates, devise creative and ethical solutions to pressing issues, and actively engage with the transformative impacts of scientific, medical, and technological advancements. To earn a degree in Science and Technology Studies, students must complete foundational courses in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, along with introductory, laboratory, and seminar courses in STS. Upper-level studies involve 12 units from each of two complementary concentration areas (modules) and 12 units (plus prerequisites) that offer in-depth focus, specialization, and fieldwork options in the sciences. The modules are: I. Cultural Studies of Science and Technology, II. Ethics, Values, and Science Policy, III. History and Philosophy of Science, IV. Medicine, Society, and Culture. Choosing courses within the modules thoughtfully is essential to maximize the benefits of the STS major. Prerequisites for science courses can be demanding and necessitate significant early planning for on-time completion. Students are advised to utilize faculty and staff guidance to map out their academic paths.

The STS major equips students to examine science and related practices through historical, philosophical, sociological, political, anthropological, and cultural lenses. It readies them for professions that consider the wider implications of science, technology, and medicine. STS graduates frequently enter fields such as healthcare and medicine, law, journalism, public policy, economics, government, media and technology sectors, science education, non-profit health organizations, libraries and museums, public health administration, management consulting, and teaching. STS majors are also well-suited for advanced research careers in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.