In this section

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • About the history, philosophy, and sociology of science, technology, health, and society (STHS)
  • Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills that apply to real-world problems
  • How to communicate complex ideas about science, technology, and health to diverse audiences
  • How to assess and make evidence-based arguments relevant to science and health policy

 

WHO YOU COULD BE

  • Educator
  • Lawyer
  • Health sciences professional
  • Curator
  • Science communicator or writer
  • Nonprofit administrator

OVERVIEW

How does society affect the development of science, technology, and health systems? How do science and medicine interact with religion and philosophy in shaping our worldview? How do science, medicine, economics, and social values interact in contemporary decision making?

The Science, Technology, Health, and Society (STHS) Program offers an interdisciplinary major and minor that focuses on the history, philosophy, and sociology of science, technology, and health. STHS courses encourage students to consider how science, technology, and health are linked to all aspects of human experience, including economics, politics, and religion. Faculty from more than a dozen different disciplines within and outside of the sciences participate in Science, Technology, Health, and Society.

 

Harrison Hite '16
ALUMNI
Harrison Hite '16

"STHS was the right major for me because it allowed me to focus on what I was interested in while giving me agency in and ownership over the process... STHS invariably becomes a vibrant and close-knit community because students learn about each other's passions while researching their own."

 

SAMPLE COURSES

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

A sampling of STHS experiential coursework and research:

  • Students designed and created an exhibit on electrical science
  • Students designed a role-playing game set in the Wild West
  • Students developed a program to help campus reduce energy consumption
  • Students designed a course on social justice and STEM

JOBS

Our alumni work at:

  • USAID, Population & Reproductive Health (program assistant)
  • Public Library of Science (publications assistant)
  • EverGreen Escapes (naturalist guide)
  • Aspen Global Change Institute (program assistant)
  • Neighborcare Health (school-based health center coordinator)

CONTINUE STUDYING

Our alumni continue their studies at:

  • University of British Columbia (science and technology)
  • Brown University (science, technology, and society)
  • Johns Hopkins University (nursing)
  • University of Michigan (Master of Public Health)
  • Oregon State University (Mater of Public Policy and Management; History of Science)