Science, Technology and Society, BA: Energy and Environment

Science, Technology & Society (STSC) examines the social contexts in which science and technology occur, the organizations of people and things that make up science and technology systems, and the social and cultural consequences of scientific and technological change over time. In a wide array of courses, STSC majors explore the relationship between scientific knowledge, technological innovations, technological systems, and society past and present.

This program equips students with sophisticated critical faculties, multidisciplinary skills and wide knowledge that enables our graduates to go into business, law, government, journalism, research, and education. STSC provides a foundation for citizenship in a globalizing, diversifying world with rapid technological and scientific change.

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34. Double majors may entail more course units.

For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.

College General Education Requirements and Free Electives
Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives20
Major Requirements
Core Courses
STSC 0100Emergence of Modern Science1
or STSC 0600 Technology & Society
Select one of the following:1
Science Technology and War
The Information Age
Environment and Society
Science and Religion: Global Perspectives
Emergence of Modern Science
Technology & Society
STSC Electives6
Select 6 course units in this range STSC 0000-4999
Or with: Attribute ASTL
Energy & Environment Concentration
Select 5 course units with: Attribute ASTE5
Capstone Research Requirement
STSC 4000Capstone Research Seminar in Science, Technology and Society1
Total Course Units34
1

You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.

Honors

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major and 3.0 overall. Students should complete STSC 4000 in the spring of their Junior year and must obtain the support of a faculty advisor before applying for an Independent Study (STSC 4980) to complete the Honors thesis.

Honors Thesis (non-course requirement QST)

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.


Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCourse Units
Fall Courses 4
 Course Units4.00
Spring
Spring Courses 4
 Course Units4.00
Second Year
Fall
Fall Courses 4
 Course Units4.00
Spring
Spring Courses 4
 Course Units4.00
Third Year
Fall
Fall Courses 4.5
 Course Units4.50
Spring
Spring Courses 4.5
 Course Units4.50
Fourth Year
Fall
Fall Courses 4.5
 Course Units4.50
Spring
Spring Courses 4.5
 Course Units4.50
 Total Course Units34.00