Southeastern Louisiana University

What you'll study

The Science, Technology and Society (STS) degree is an interdisciplinary programme that combines courses in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to explore how scientific and technological developments interact with culture, politics and institutions. Core topics include the history and philosophy of science, technology policy and regulation, ethics of emerging technologies, science communication, and methods for studying socio-technical systems.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Foundations of STS: introductions to key theories and concepts from history, sociology and philosophy of science.
• Science, Technology and Ethics: ethical analysis of biomedical, environmental and information technologies.
• Technology and Society: case studies on the social impacts of computing, energy systems, transportation and health technologies.
• Research Methods for STS: qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviewing, archival work and basic data analysis.
• Policy and Governance of Technology: how governments, regulators and organisations shape technological development and deployment.
• Science Communication and Public Engagement: practical training in writing, media and outreach to translate complex technical topics for non-specialist audiences.
• Laboratory or field modules: where relevant, applied laboratory experience or fieldwork in collaboration with science departments to understand technical practice.
• Capstone project or senior seminar: a research project, policy brief or public-facing deliverable synthesising interdisciplinary learning.

Students can tailor their elective choices to focus more on technology policy, science communication, environmental technology, or prepare for graduate study by taking advanced coursework in related departments such as computer science, environmental science or political science.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Competitive applicants will show strong performance in core academic subjects. Recommended preparatory subjects include mathematics, English, natural science and social studies. Admissions may consider a combination of high school GPA and standardised test scores where applicable; many applicants also submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement that explains their interest in interdisciplinary study of science and technology.

Transfer students are welcome; successful transfer applicants usually present college-level coursework with satisfactory grades and a clear plan for how STS will build on prior study. International applicants must meet the university's general admissions and English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the STS programme enter a wide range of careers that leverage interdisciplinary thinking about technology in social contexts. Common pathways include:

• Technology policy and regulation: roles with government agencies, regulatory bodies or think tanks working on policy analysis and implementation.
• Science and technology communication: positions in media, public relations, museums, non-profits and outreach programmes translating technical material for diverse audiences.
• Project and programme coordination: roles in industry, NGOs or research institutes where understanding both technical and social dimensions is essential.
• Compliance, ethics and governance: work in corporate social responsibility, ethics committees or regulatory affairs.
• Education and outreach: secondary education, informal science education or community engagement roles.
• Further study: graduate programmes in public policy, law, information studies, environmental studies or specialised STEM fields.

Internships and applied projects available through the university help students build practical experience and professional networks with regional employers and organisations.

Why study at Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University offers a supportive campus environment with small class sizes that foster close interaction with faculty from multiple disciplines. The university's location provides proximity to regional centres of industry, government and cultural organisations, creating opportunities for internships, applied research and community engagement.

Students benefit from hands-on learning, access to campus laboratories and research initiatives, and advising that helps tailor coursework to career objectives. Student organisations and public events on campus also create forums to practise communication and leadership skills that are highly valued by employers in public policy, communications and technology-focused roles.