Science, Technology and Society (BA)

College of Arts and Sciences

Program Website

Program Description

In today’s world, we often hear about the impacts of science and technology on society. What is less visible is the social shaping of science and technology, whether through the design of algorithms, environmental controversies, regulatory policy, or simply the everyday cultures of laboratory life, which vary in time and place. The field of science and technology studies (STS) examines not only the impacts of science and technology, but also their social shaping. STS explores the practices that shape science and technology, examines their social and cultural context, and analyzes their political and ethical implications. Methods and concepts learned through the STS major provide insight on contemporary issues such as ethical dilemmas of biomedicine, the historical construction of race, environmental justice, algorithmic fairness, cybersecurity and privacy, among others. STS provides a strong liberal arts background from which students can go on to careers in law, medicine, environmental policy, business, and a variety of other professions where the social aspects of science and technology loom large.

Academic Standards

Major Declaration Information

Admission to the major requires successful completion of one STS course. First-Year Writing Seminars may not count as a prerequisite for the major. There are no other prerequisites, but students should plan to fulfill the BIO-AS, PHS-AS, SDS-AS, and SMR-AS distribution requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences early in their college careers in order to be in a position to take additional science or engineering courses as outlined below.

Students intending to major in Science & Technology Studies should submit an application during their sophomore year. Juniors are considered on a case-by-case basis. The application includes (1) a one-page statement explaining the student’s intellectual interests and why the major is consistent with the student’s academic interests and goals; and (2) a tentative plan of courses fulfilling STS requirements. Contact the STS undergraduate office for further information about the major requirements and application materials.

Program Policies

All courses used to fulfill major requirements must be at least three credits, taken for a letter grade, which must be C– or higher. One course may not be used to fulfill two major requirements. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits towards major requirements.

Special Academic Options

Independent Study

Permission of faculty supervisor required. To apply, please complete the A&S Independent Study form.

Applications for research projects are accepted by individual STS faculty members. Students may enroll for 1–4 credits in  STS 3991 Undergraduate Independent Study with written permission of the faculty supervisor and may elect either the letter grade or the S–U option. Independent study credits may not be used in completion of the major requirements. Please contact the STS undergraduate office for further information.

Honors Program

The honors program is designed to provide independent research opportunities for academically talented STS majors. Students who enroll in the honors program are expected to do independent study and research, with faculty guidance, on issues in science and technology studies. Students who participate in the program should find the experience intellectually stimulating and rewarding whether or not they intend to pursue a research career. STS majors are considered for entry into the honors program at the end of the second semester of their junior year. To qualify for the STS honors program, students must have an overall Cornell cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 and a 3.30 cumulative GPA in courses taken for the major. Additionally, the student must have formulated a research topic, and have found a project supervisor and a second faculty member willing to serve as the project advisor; at least one of these must be a member of the STS department. Contact the STS undergraduate office for further information about the honors program and application materials.