Degree Programs

Graduate and Professional Career Advice

  • How to be a Leader in Your Field by Phil Agre
  • Networking on the Network by Phil Agre
  • Advice for prospective graduate students Written by a computer science professor, but this is excellent advice for anyone applying to graduate schools (in any discipline).
  • List of STS Departments, Programs, and Centers Worldwide (by Cornell)

Ph.D. programs in the United States

  • History, Anthropology, and Science and Technology Studies (HAST) (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). ” In 1988 STS joined MIT’s Anthropology Program and History Faculty to offer a doctoral degree program in the History, Anthropology, Science and Technology (HASTS). Since then HASTS has developed into one of the world’s preeminent graduate programs in STS-related studies. It attracts students from around the world who seek an interdisciplinary program that will prepare them for careers in the academy, law, business, journalism, and museum work, among other possibilities.”
    • Faculty
    • Program description
    • Application instructions
    • Graduate student bios
    • Dissertations
  • Science and Technology Studies (STS) (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). ” Founded in 1982, the Department reflects Rensselaer’s commitment to the development of STS as a field of inquiry. The graduate program emphasizes the cultural, historical, economic, political, and social dimensions of scientific and technological society, with a focus on ethical and values issues.”
    • Faculty
    • Program description
    • Application instructions
    • Graduate student bios
    • Dissertations/Alumni
  • Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology (Arizona State University). ” Arizona State University is pleased to invite applications to a new interdisciplinary PhD program. The program provides an integrated introduction to Science and Technology Studies, Science and Technology Policy, the History and Philosophy of Science, while allowing students to specialize in specific fields and topics. The program draws on over forty faculty members and four of ASU’s nationally recognized centers of excellence: The Center for Biology and Society • Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes • Center for Nanotechnology in Society • and The Center for Law, Science and Technology ”
    • Main Page
    • Faculty
    • Graduate students
    • Current Research Programs
    • Application
  • Science and Technology Studies (STS) (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) “The STS Program explores interdisciplinary approaches to the study of science, technology, and society. Graduates emerge with an ability to identify and examine the conceptual and social dimensions of science and technology simultaneously and in historical perspective.” (Doctoral Program)
    • Main Page
    • Faculty
    • Graduate students
    • Application instructions
  • Science and Technology Studies (STS) (Cornell University)
    • Main Page
    • Faculty
    • Graduate students
    • Application instructions

Ph.D. programs in the UK

The British Society for the History of Science maintains a directory of institutions in the UK supporting history of science, technology and medicine as well as science and technology studies.

    • BSHS main page
    • BSHS directory of institutions
  • Science and Technology Studies (STS) doctoral programme (University of Edinburgh, Scotland)

The Science, Technology & Innovation Studies subject group at Edinburgh (part of the School of Social and Political Science) invites applications for its MSc by Research and PhD degrees in Science and Technology Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Postgraduate researchers are an important part of the internationally recognised community of researchers in the field at Edinburgh – now grouped in the Institute for the Study of Science, Technology & Innovation (ISSTI). The STS Doctoral Programme is a designated outlet for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) 1+3 and +3 studentships. Academic expertise in STS is drawn from across the University to provide training and supervision for our research students. The Doctoral Programme in STS is for students who already have a good grounding in the field and wish to complete a PhD in the history, philosophy or sociology of science, technology or medicine. Where appropriate, students take a programme of coursework combining training in research methods with specialist courses. This is followed by supervised research leading to the production of a PhD thesis.

  • Edinburgh PhD & MSc(R) STS Programme
  • Department of Science and Technology Studies (University College London, London, UK)

A centre for the integrated study of science’s history, philosophy, sociology, communication and policy, located in the heart of London. Founded in 1921. STS is a designated outlet for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) 1+3 and +3 studentships, part of a Doctoral Training Centre for ESRC. The department offers research degrees under two subject headings: History and Philosophy of Science, and Science and Technology Studies. Students may specialise in the history of science, the philosophy of science, the public understanding of science, the sociology of science and technology, science and technology policy research, or a suitable combination of those fields. All graduate degrees also can be undertaken on a part-time basis. The department includes award-winning teaching and research. It also is home to the British Journal for the History of Science and BSHS Monographs.

  • Department of Science and Technology Studies
  • MPhil/PhD program in STS
  • Staff directory
  • Sociology and Innovation Studies (University of East London, London, UK)

Located opposite the Royal Docks from City Airport and near the 2012 Olympic site in East London, the University of East London is one of the top 10 modern universities for research in the UK. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers MPhil/PhDs in STS, Innovation Studies and S&T Policy. STS-related research in Sociology and Innovation Studies focuses on the interplay between science, technology, social change and democracy, including global knowledge dynamics; international S&T collaboration policy and security; computer ethics; expert-lay interactions in S&T-related civic affairs; and information and communications technologies in both the developing and the developed world. Research training is provided through coursework, seminars and workshops and there is a lively, international research culture in which research students are closely involved.

New Decade Awards The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is offering a PhD Studentship and two PhD fees-only Bursaries for UK and EU students only, starting in September 2010. The closing date is 23 April 2010.

  • Bursaries
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Staff directory
  • MPhil/PhD programme

Graduate programs and STS teams in France

An incomplete list compiled by Rigas Arvanitis on his blog (in French).

  • Liste des formations en sociologie des sciences et des techniques

Masters programs in the UK

  • MSc Science and Technology Studies (University of Edinburgh, Scotland)

The Science, Technology & Innovation Studies subject group at Edinburgh (part of the School of Social and Political Science) invites applications for its taught Masters programme in Science and Technology Studies. The progamme offers an opportunity for interested students from virtually any background – natural science, social science, engineering or the arts – to get a solid grounding in this exciting field. Accordingly, the primary aim of the programme is to provide a fundamental understanding of the conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches that underpin all work in STS. In addition, the option courses and dissertation provide an opportunity to pursue more specialised interests within the field. Areas of particular strength include the sociology and social history of science, technology and medicine – a field in which the ‘Edinburgh School’ has long had an international reputation; the sociology and economics of genomics and molecular biology; the social shaping of information and communication technologies; the management of technology and innovation; and the politics of public engagement with science and technology. The MSc Science and Technology Studies enables students to explore the relationship between science, technology and society in a cross-disciplinary and rigorous manner. It aims to provide a deep understanding of the complex social, economic and political forces shaping science and technology, and to equip students to investigate and reflect on issues surrounding the role and impact of science and technology in society.

  • Edinburgh MSc STS Programme
  • MSc Science and Technology Policy and Management (University of Edinburgh, Scotland)

The Science, Technology & Innovation Studies subject group at Edinburgh (part of the School of Social and Political Science) invites applications for its taught Masters programme in Science and Technology Policy and Management. The programme is intended to prepare people for positions in policy and management areas dealing with science, technology and innovation, or in other fields where scientific and technological issues and strategies are central, such as medical, environment or development policy. The programme attracts an interesting variety of students – those already working, and those aiming at careers, in S&T policy-related positions in public sector agencies, consultancies, professional and industry associations, trade unions and similar organisations. There is a strong emphasis throughout the degree on putting to use the latest approaches and insights from science, technology and innovation studies and from wider work on governance, management and futures. Besides covering a variety of topical matters and ways we can understand them, students gain experience with a range of techniques and procedures used in policy formulation, assessment, decision-making, and implementation. In the dissertation project, they are encouraged to pick a question of central concern in their area of work.

  • Edinburgh MSc STPM Programme
  • MSc Science, Technology and International Development (University of Edinburgh, Scotland)

The Science, Technology & Innovation Studies subject group at Edinburgh (part of the School of Social and Political Science) invites applications for its taught Masters programme in Science, Technology and International Development. The STID programme is designed to equip students with an advanced interdisciplinary understanding of the historical, sociological, political and policy aspects of science and technology as they relate to international development. The programme provides a conceptual and policy-orientated approach to the relationships between science, technology and international development. It prepares students for specialised practical work in international development or further academic study.

  • Edinburgh MSc STID Programme
  • MSc in Science, Technology, Medicine and Society and MSc in History of Science, Medicine and Technology (London Centre for the History of Science, Medicine and Technology, London, UK)

The London Centre for the History of Science, Medicine and Technology formed in 1987 as a strategic alliance for graduate training. It brings together two leading academic centres of research and teaching in the subject, making it the single largest concentration of expertise in Britain for the subject. Funding is available from a variety of sources. For over 20 years, the London Centre has run a successful, much-praised MSc programme in history of science, medicine and technology. In 2007, we added a second MSc programme, which incorporates other expertise in the London Centre. This second MSc taps into our additional strengths in science and technology policy, sociology of science, and science communication. Both degrees run as integrated, one-year, taught courses aiming for breadth and depth of understanding. We draw students from ages 21 to 71, from all corners of the globe, and from backgrounds in the humanities, sciences, engineering, and the civil service. This diversity makes us thrive. Part-time study is available, too. Typical applicants seek: preparation for PhD research, career development and enhancement, and personal enrichment. The London Centre includes prize-winning researchers and award-winning tutors. You’ll find we overflow with enthusiasm, commitment, guidance, and support.

  • London Centre HSMT MSc main page

The London Centre concentrates expertise from three academic departments:

  • UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies
  • Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, Imperial College London
  • MA Innovation Studies (University of East London, UK)

The MA in Innovation Studies at UEL explores the complex, dynamic relations between social and technological forces shaping innovation processes in an international context. There is an emphasis on inequalities due to gender, socioeconomic status and/or race; social distribution of responsibility, wealth and risk; and ethical considerations related to the governance of innovation in both business and the public sphere.  The MA can be taken as part of the European ESST Masters programme (European Society, Science and Technology), which is run by an association of universities from across the European Union, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. The core curriculum covers:

  • Society, Science, Technology and Innovation Processes
  • Historical Perspectives on Scientific and Technological Change
  • Sociology and Ethnography of the Laboratory
  • Global, National, Regional and Sectoral Systems of Innovation
  • Socio-Technical Dynamics of the ‘Information Society’
  • Ethical Issues and the Regulation of Science and Technology
  • The Politics of Knowledge, Political Theory and Policy Evaluation
  • Research Methods

Students receive a concentrated programme of lectures in Semesters A and B and proceed to write a dissertation under supervision. Students have the option of moving to another European university in Semester B; each offers different specialisations, with instruction in English and/or other languages. Those remaining at UEL for both semesters still benefit from the ESST partnership through exchange of pedagogical and resource materials, incoming exchange students and visiting lecturers.

New Decade Awards The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is pleased to invite applications for MA Bursaries starting in September 2010. The closing date is 23 April 2010.

  • Bursaries
  • UEL MA Innovation Studies

Masters programs in Germany

  • Master Science and Technology Studies (University of Frankfurt a.M., Germany)

The Institute of Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology at the Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, has established the Master programme „Science and Technology Studies: Economies, Governance, Life“ in 2017, which addresses digital and communication technologies, biomedicine, the financial sector, economic governance, and infrastructure. Students learn about how goods are turned into tradable commodities by socio-technical operations, how biomedical produces new forms of bio-capital and reorganises current understandings of health and life, or about algorithmic logics and data-human assemblages that emerge alongside developments in digital technologies.

Courses in Science and Technology studies focus on the dynamic entanglements of scientific, economic, and technological developments with social conditions, modes of communication and regulation, and with human-environment interactions. They do so from the perspective of cultural anthropology, using a critical and research-oriented approach and teaching students to design and perform ethnographic fieldwork and produce qualitative data. Designed to give students the opportunity to understand science and technology as social practice and as powerful economic, political, and cultural forces, the MA program draws connections across disciplinary boundaries, including course offerings from Sociology and Human Geography.

For more information, visit the institute’s homepage: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/63707506/Master

For details on how to apply, see the homepage of the StudienServiceCenter of Goethe University at http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/66718317?