Bachelor of Arts in Science, Technology and Society Degree Program Guide

Science Technology and Society degree program guide header

Students in the Science, Technology and Society (STS) program look at the interaction of science and innovation with the wider world. From the invention of the plow to the latest digital technologies, science and technology have shaped societies throughout the world. STS asks: How did these practices arise? How have they influenced our social institutions, ethical values, cultural practices, and economic systems? What can we do to predict and manage their impact in the future?

This program will help you think critically about how social, political, and cultural values affect technological innovation and scientific research, and how research and innovations affect human life. Students take courses in Anthropology, Art and Design, Economics, English and Film Studies, History, Sociology, and Philosophy, as well as classes in the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. This is a truly interdisciplinary experience.

Academic Requirements for Science, Technology and Society Majors

General Requirements and Information
  • Minimum of 30 units and a maximum 48 units at the senior level from approved cross-listed courses including a minimum of 6 units at the 400-level
Course Requirements
  • ANTHR 230 - Anthropology of Science, Technology and Environment
  • PHIL 265 - Philosophy of Science
  • STS 200 - Introduction to Studies in Science, Technology and Society
  • STS 410 - Capstone Individual Research
  • 12 units selected from courses offered by the Faculty of Science or used by the Faculty of Science as a science course
Additional Credits Applied to This Major Must Be Chosen among the Following:
  • ANTHR 332 - Anthropology of Science
  • AREC 375 - World Food and Agriculture
  • CHRTC 350 - Science and Religion
  • CLASS 294 - Ancient Science, Technology, and Medicine
  • CMPUT 300 - Computers and Society
  • ECON 222 - Technology, Institutions and Economic Growth
  • FS 318 - Science Fiction Film
  • FS 387 - Film and Technology
  • HADVC 206 - History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture in Early 20th Century Europe
  • HADVC 209 - History of Modern Design in Europe and North America
  • HIST 353 - History of American Medicine
  • HIST 394 - History of Astronomy and Cosmology from Stonehenge to the Space Age
  • HIST 398 - History of Science II
  • HIST 486 - Topics in the History of Technology
  • HIST 496 - Topics in the History of Science
  • INT D 222 - Indigenous Health in Canada
  • INT D 303 - Economics of World Food and Agriculture
  • INT D 380 - Canada’s Western Cordillera: Advanced Interdisciplinary Mountain Studies
  • INT D 420 - Perspectives on Inclusive and Global Health
  • MST 350 - Understanding Video Games
  • MST 351 - Understanding Video Games
  • NS 115 - Indigenous Peoples and Technoscience
  • NS 435 - Management of Indigenous Natural Resources
  • PHIL 217 - Biology, Society, and Values
  • PHIL 250 - Contemporary Ethical Issues
  • PHIL 325 - Risk, Choice, and Rationality
  • PHIL 345 - Humans and Animals
  • PHIL 355 - Environmental Ethics
  • PHIL 365 - Philosophy of Computing
  • PHIL 366 - Computers and Culture
  • PHIL 367 - Introduction to Philosophy of Mathematics
  • PHIL 386 - Health Care Ethics
  • PHIL 412 - Topics in Philosophy of Science
  • SOC 291 - Introduction to Environmental Sociology
  • STS 210 - Environment, Science, Culture, and Values
  • STS 397 - Special Topics in Science, Technology and Society
  • STS 497 - Science, Technology and Society
  • WGS 244 - Critical Disability Studies
  • WGS 250 - Gender and Science
  • WGS 390 - Environmental Feminisms and Social Justice

Consult the Undergraduate Advisor for the Science, Technology and Society program for possible additions to this list. Additional topics-based courses in this subject area would be considered.

Academic Requirements for Science, Technology and Society Minors

Minor Requirements
  • A minor in Science, Technology, and Society requires a minimum of 12 units to 42 units at the senior level including:
  • 6 units minimum are required from your choices of:
    • ANTHR 230 - Anthropology of Science, Technology and Environment
    • PHIL 265 - Philosophy of Science
    • STS 200 - Introduction to Studies in Science, Technology and Society
  • 6 units minimum from 300 or 400-level selected from the list of courses approved for use toward the Arts Major in Science, Technology and Society (see the “Additional credits applied to this major must be chosen among the following:” drop-down tab in the Major requirements section above)

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can Science, Technology and Society students take?

  • STS 200 - Introduction to Studies in Science, Technology and Society
  • STS 210 - Environment, Science, Culture, and Values
  • STS 497 - Science, Technology and Society
  • STS 498 - Individual Research Project in Science, Technology, and Society
  • A mixture of interdisciplinary courses, as seen above in the Major/Minor Requirements section.

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a Science, Technology and Society degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a Media Studies degree. From technology and innovation to public policy, graduates are equipped with critical thinking, analytical and research skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Technology Policy Analyst
  • Innovation Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Media Spokesperson
  • Communications Associate
  • Educational Program Developer
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Policy Analyst
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Data Analyst
  • Information Systems Manager
  • User Experience (UX) Researcher
  • Educational Program Developer
  • Technical Writer
  • Social Media Manager
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

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