North Carolina State University

What you'll study

The programme integrates courses from the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities to examine the development, governance and social consequences of science and technology. You will build technical literacy alongside critical and historical perspectives, preparing you to analyse complex socio-technical problems.

Core subjects

• Introduction to Science, Technology and Society: concepts and frameworks for analysing socio-technical systems.
• History of Science and Technology: historical case studies of scientific change and technological innovation.
• Ethics and Public Policy of Technology: ethical frameworks and policy approaches for emerging technologies.
• Research Methods in STS: qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, surveys and basic data analysis.
• Technology, Environment and Society: interactions between technological systems and environmental impacts.
• Science Communication and Public Engagement: strategies for communicating technical information to diverse audiences.

Electives and special pathways

• Students choose electives that may include information and communication technologies, biomedical technologies, data ethics, cybersecurity policy, urban technologies or energy policy.
• Options to pair the major with minors or concentrations in engineering, public policy, economics, statistics, or environmental sciences.
• Practical learning through project courses, internships with local labs or companies, and participation in community or policy-focused practicum work.

Capstone

• A senior seminar or capstone project requiring interdisciplinary research on a real-world socio-technical issue, often including a written report and public presentation.

Entry requirements

Admission is through North Carolina State University's general undergraduate admissions process. Typical applicants will have completed secondary-level coursework including mathematics and science, and demonstrate strong writing and critical thinking skills.

• High school diploma or equivalent with college-preparatory courses in mathematics and science.
• Competitive academic record (GPA and course rigor are considered). Standardised test submissions may be optional depending on the university's current admissions policy.
• Personal statement or essay that outlines interest in the social dimensions of science and technology and any relevant extracurricular experience.
• Letters of recommendation are considered helpful but not always required; applicants should consult the university admissions pages for current guidance.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or approved waivers and provide credential evaluations for international academic records.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers that bridge technical domains and social contexts. The degree prepares students for roles where understanding both technology and its societal implications is essential.

• Technology policy analyst or advisor in government agencies, think tanks and NGOs.
• Science and technology communications specialist, including public engagement and media roles.
• Ethics and compliance officer for companies developing emerging technologies.
• User experience or human–computer interaction researcher, combining social research with design teams.
• Project coordinator or analyst in industry sectors such as energy, healthcare, information technology or environmental management.
• Further study in public policy, law, information science, engineering management or graduate STS programmes.

Why study at North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers a strong interdisciplinary environment for STS students, with close links to engineering, natural sciences and public policy disciplines. The university’s location in the Research Triangle provides robust internship and employment connections with research organisations, technology firms and public agencies.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: opportunities to take courses and work with faculty across colleges, fostering diverse perspectives on technology and society.
• Access to research and industry: proximity to Research Triangle Park and campus research centres supports internships, practicum projects and applied research.
• Experiential learning: emphasis on capstone projects, community engagement and placements that let students apply theory to real-world problems.
• Support services: career services, writing centres and research mentorship to help students prepare for careers or graduate study.