BS in Science, Technology and Society

Students enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology, and Society (STS) because they are interested in discovering how the work and communication strategies of scientists, technologists, and other professionals affect the social systems in which we partake.

STS majors begin their studies by exploring the theoretical and historical foundations of science and technology as they concern politics, social structure, economics, and culture. During the second and third years, core courses present case studies and practical assignments that build on the fundamentals learned in the first year. Students also select from one of five areas of specialization (see below) and identify a topic for their senior projects. STS majors are continuously developing their abilities to analyze complex information, solve critical problems, and demonstrate their ethical awareness and sense of public responsibility.

STS graduates pursue advanced degrees in medicine, law, business, and other fields. Others move into careers in, for example, environmental management, marketing, and science communication. Still others take positions with government, public policy organizations, or academia

The Degree and Specializations

The STS major consists of four components: primary core courses (12 credits), STS specialization courses (12 credits), STS elective courses (6 credits), and senior thesis (5 credits). The program is designed for both single and double majors. Primary core courses introduce students to the fundamental connections among civilization, technology, and the global environment through a focus on historical and cultural foundations, basic ideas and values, and dominant institutions. STS specialization courses allow students to concentrate in one of five areas. Working closely with a faculty advisor, each student selects coursework comprising a coherent program designed to fulfill personal interests and potential career goals.

The five specializations are:

• Cyberpsychology
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies
• Music, Literature, and Culture in Technological Society
• Politics, History, and Ethics in Science and Technology
• Race and Gender in Science and Technology

STS elective courses provide students with a broader view of the field and facilitate development of complementary understanding of topical issues.

The senior thesis marks the culmination of the STS curriculum. In this two-semester sequence, a topic that is of critical importance to each student’s undergraduate program and professional future are investigated in depth. Students work closely with the program director and a faculty advisor to identify a topic, research it thoroughly, and formulate a senior thesis for public presentation.

Specializations and Courses

Maurie Cohen (Sustainable consumption, socio-technical transitions, mobility futures)

Gareth Edel (social theory; biomedicalization; neoliberal governmentalities; transnationalism and globalization in healthcare and bioscience; medical anthropology)

Daniel Estrada (Technology and human values, topics and issues in STS)

Theresa Hunt (Global development, critical race and gender theory, social research methods)

J. Britt Holbrook (Philosophy of science, topics in intersections of science with society and/or technology, science and technology policy)

Eric Katz (Philosophy of technology, social impacts of technology, environmental ethics)

Narendra-Neel Khichi (Sociology of education, social psychology of the technological world, and cultural and social identity)

Burt Kimmelman (Technology and culture, communications technology and epistemology, cultural and literary studies)

Bernadette Longo (Intersection of communication, technology, and culture)

David Rothenberg (Interdisciplinary integration of music, philosophy, and biology)

Adam See (Environmental ethics, animal ethics, animal minds, and philosophy of technology)

Nancy Steffen-Fluhr (Gender and technology studies, social construction of gender and race, speculative fiction and film)

Katherine Tyrol (Biomedicalization, feminist STS, fat studies, subjectivity and the self)

Affiliated Faculty Members

Neil Maher (Environmental history, history of technology, history of science, environmental justice, climate justice)

For More Information

Prospective freshmen and transfer students, both internal and external to NJIT, who are interested in pursuing the B.S. in Science, Technology, and Society or would like more information about the program, its faculty, and the variety of opportunities that STS presents should inquire with the program director and consult the NJIT undergraduate catalog for specific requirements and other information.

Dr. Maurie Cohen, Director
Science, Technology, and Society Program
427 Cullimore Hall
New Jersey Institute of Technology
University Heights
Newark, NJ 07102
Email: mcohen@njit.edu
Telephone: 973.596.5281
Website: http://humanities.njit.edu/academics/undergraduate/sts/