Science, technology, and society programs teach people about the links between science and society. Students learn how ethics, public policy, and belief systems affect research in science. For example, they study debates about cloning humans. They also learn principles of science and math.
Every once in a while you think about Jimmy, your best friend from grade school. Unfortunately, Jimmy moved to another state in the fourth grade. You and Jimmy wrote to each other for a few months. Soon, the time between letters grew longer. Finally, you both stopped writing altogether. Now, years later, you wonder what happened to Jimmy. You think, if only we had e-mail back then, we would've kept in touch. Then you decide, I'll Google him! You type his name in the search engine and a few seconds later you've found his e-mail address. You e-mail him a quick note and hope that in just a few hours, even minutes, you'll reconnect with your old friend.
A few years ago no one would've known what you meant by "I'll Google him." Today the Internet search engine has become so well-known that the name itself has become an everyday word. This is just a small example of how modern technology has shaped daily life. In fact, science and technology's effect on the way we live, work, and interact is so dramatic that a field of study is dedicated to it. Science, technology, and society programs study the relationship between science and everyday life, and how each affects the other.
In science, technology, and society programs, you take courses in many different areas of study. Common courses are history, ethics, political science, sociology, and economics. In many programs you also take courses in biology, computing, math, and engineering. Depending on your interests, you can take courses about genetic engineering, population control, and environmental damage. You can even study chemical weapons and Internet privacy. Often statistics and research courses are required.
Several four-year schools have centers for science, technology, and society studies. However, only about 30 few schools offer a distinct science, technology, and society major. Often a minor or certificate in science, technology, and society is offered at the undergraduate level. Your major is likely to be history, sociology, biology, computer science, or philosophy. Typically you finish your bachelor's degree in four years.
Graduates from science, technology, and society programs can work as policy and research analysts for government agencies, consumer groups, and consulting firms. People who also have a strong science background often work for software, pharmaceutical, or other kinds of technology companies.
A few schools offer graduate programs in science, technology, and society studies. Graduate degrees take from two to five years after you finish your bachelors degree. Most people with graduate degrees in science, technology, and society studies become professors.