Science and Technology Studies

General Information

Minor in STS

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in STS

Project Courses

Sample Schedule

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is STS?

Science and Technology Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study in which methods of analysis from a wide range of fields in the humanities and social sciences are used to study the relations among science, technology and society.  Such methods include historical, philosophical, sociological, psychological, scientific, literary, journalistic, and cultural and media studies approaches.  STS creates technology-savvy, ethical, and socially-responsible users, developers, and critics of science and technology.  It contributes a key element to the development of well-rounded engineers and scientists capable not only of technical expertise and its dissemination, but also of innovative and creative ways of reasoning and communicating with their fellow citizens.  STS graduates have the best of both worlds:  broad training in the liberal arts coupled with expertise in science and technology.  This makes them stand out and gives them an advantage over graduates of more narrowly focused programs.

At NYU-Poly, STS majors study topics that include:

The History of Science and Technology
The Scientific Revolution significantly altered humankind's conception of itself and the universe.  Scholastic methods of reasoning were replaced by new scientific methods of observation and experimentation as evidenced by Galileo's telescope.  New tensions arose between religion and science:  who had the power to interpret God's universe, philosophers or theologians?  STS students study these important events to help understand current scientific controversies and directions.

Biology and Genetics
The fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering raise significant scientific and ethical issues in the areas of new pharmaceuticals, cloning, stem cell research, genetic privacy, and the patenting of human genes.  STS students approach these topics from a broad perspective, understanding both the scientific and philosophical issues arising in these important fields so that they can be capable advisors of public policy and thoughtful innovators in the next round of scientific inquiry.

Philosophy of Physics
The field of physics plays an important role in our scientific and technological understanding of the world, but what do the fundamental theories in physics really tell us about the world?  What is the relationship between the mathematical descriptions that physicists employ and the nature of physical phenomena such as matter and forces, space and time?  STS students obtain firm foundations in both philosophy and physics in order to consider these and other questions related to the role physics plays in both science and technology.

Reasons to Study STS at NYU-Poly:

The resources of New York City's preeminent technological institution.
What better place to study the relations among science, technology, and society than in New York City, the most culturally and socially diverse, technology-driven urban center in the world?  In addition, STS majors take full advantage of the course offerings of the second-oldest engineering research institute in the country as well as the computing and research facilities associated with a premier leader in technology innovation.

The Technology/Science requirement.
STS majors fulfill a tech/sci requirement that is the equivalent of a minor in a particular field of technology or science, with significant exposure to other fields.  Tech/Sci offerings include courses in multi-disciplinary subjects such as nanotechnology and biotechnology, as well as interdisciplinary fields in the humanities and social sciences such as the history and philosophy of technology and science, urban studies and sustainable urban environments, environmental psychology, and cultural studies and digital media.

Faculty Mentors
Each STS major is assigned a faculty mentor who assists students in choosing electives, approving the tech/sci minor, and constructing project courses.

Project-Oriented Education and Research
A project-oriented semester studying abroad or engaged in a service-learning internship bridges the gap between academics and the outside world.  Directed Studies and Capstone Projects provide students with essential experience in conducting and presenting research at public forums within the university.

Career Tracks
Their training in both tech/sci and the liberal arts allows STS graduates to pursue:

• Medical school, law school, or business school.
• Employment at high-tech companies or consulting firms.
• Empolyment as science and tech equity analysts.
• Jobs in science journalism and science education.
• Private or public sector jobs involving science and technology policy or research management.
• Graduate school in Science and Technology Studies; Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy; History of Science, or Philosophy of Science; Journalism.