History and Sociology of Science, PhD
The Department of History and Sociology of Science at Penn offers a distinctive Ph.D. program focusing on the social, historical, and cultural study of science, medicine, technology, and the environment. Our faculty and student interests span the early modern period to contemporary times, covering regions from around the globe. The city of Philadelphia offers a vibrant range of scholarly resources, including world-class archives, museums, libraries, universities, and learned societies. The Department has trained some of the most successful scholars practicing in the field today; in addition to faculty positions, many of our graduates also go on to successful careers in public history, publishing, policy, and consulting. Our Department is known for its intellectual rigor, innovative scholarship, and strong sense of camaraderie.
For more information: http://hss.sas.upenn.edu/graduate/phd-program
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements 1 | ||
| Core Course | ||
| HSSC 5050 | Seminar in the History and Sociology of Science 2 | 1 |
| Pre-1850 Developments Seminar 3 | 1 | |
| Electives and Distribution Requirement | 16 | |
| Coursework must include a robust distribution of graduate seminars in major subfields, as laid out in the Graduate Group’s curriculum of 3 graduate courses per semester, and as determined by the student in consultation with the Graduate Chair. | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Writing Project 4 | ||
| Composed as a paper for a seminar course | ||
| Language Requirement | ||
| Students must demonstrate proficiency in two languages | ||
| Teaching Requirement | ||
| Four semesters of teaching are required | ||
| Total Course Units | 18 | |
- 1
14 course units must be from HSSC courses
- 2
Should take in the Fall semester of Year 1.
- 3
Or a research paper dealing with the period before 1850 even if written for a course that includes materials from a later period.
- 4
Must receive an A- or higher.
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.