School of Engineering and Applied Science: Minor Programs
Science, technology, engineering, and government are intertwined. Federal, state, local, and foreign governments shape science and technology in a variety of ways, including through grants, contracts, regulations, and foreign policy. Science and engineering reshape governments in turn by supplying tools and expertise and, indirectly, by transforming social and economic structures.
This minor equips students with the basic skills to understand those interactions. It requires 18 credits. The minor requires students to take Social Foundations of Engineering (STS 2101) and STS Research Methods (STS 3300). All students take a course in science and technology policy designed for this minor with a choice of four options; STS 2050 - Introduction to Sustainable Energy Systems, STS 2620 - Science and Technology Public Policy, STS 2620 - Science & Technology: Where Intent Meets Process or STS 3020 - Science and Technology Policy for Interns. Alnog with these requirements, students will be required to complete three electives—from fields such as history, philosophy, media studies, and planning as well as politics and economics—deepen and broaden students’ education. These can be found on the minors’ webpage.
Students completing this minor will gain a deeper understanding of the interdependence of science, technology, engineering, and policy. They will also prepare themselves to lead organizations inside and outside of government, including those in industry, consulting, law, and medicine.
Students interested in this minor should contact Prof. Rider Foley at rwf6v@virginia.edu.
