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CIP 30.1501 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Science, Technology and Society

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

848

2025 · 38 schools

International share

7.5%

64 international students

Bachelor's degrees

714

3.2% international

Master's degrees

89

23.6% international

Overview

The Science, Technology, and Society (STS) program is an interdisciplinary field that critically examines the interplay between scientific knowledge, technological advancements, and societal dynamics. This program explores how scientific theories and technological innovations shape, and are shaped by, cultural, political, and economic contexts.

Students in STS study a diverse range of topics, including the philosophy of science, the ethics of technology, the history of scientific practices, and the social implications of innovations. The curriculum typically encourages critical thinking and analysis of how science and technology influence human experience and societal norms.

The STS field prepares students for various career paths by providing them with analytical skills and a broad understanding of contemporary issues. Graduates often find opportunities in policy-making, education, research, and advocacy, where they can apply their knowledge to address challenges such as climate change, health crises, and technology governance.

Moreover, STS promotes an understanding of the responsible use of technology and the importance of public engagement in scientific discourse. By emphasizing the social dimensions of science and technology, the program fosters a holistic view that is increasingly relevant in today’s rapidly changing world.

In summary, the Science, Technology, and Society program is essential for those looking to navigate and influence the complex interactions between innovation and society, equipping students with the tools to critically assess and contribute to discussions on the role of science and technology in the modern age.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 79% and the international share went from 7.8% to 7.5%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
46.2%
Asian
12.5%
Hispanic
16.5%
Black
9.7%
Other
7.5%
Intl.
7.5%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 38 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts 9 7
#5 Stanford University California 74 5
#9 University of Chicago Illinois 1 0
#14 Cornell University New York 12 4
#16 Brown University Rhode Island 54 3
#16 Vanderbilt University Tennessee 16 0
#23 Georgetown University D.C. 2 1
#29 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Georgia 49 0
#34 University of California-Davis California 15 1
#52 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia 16 3
#55 The Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania 15 1
#69 Michigan State University Michigan 5 0
#69 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute New York 3 1
#73 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Massachusetts 3 0
#73 North Carolina State University at Raleigh North Carolina 52 1
#85 New Jersey Institute of Technology New Jersey 6 0
#85 University at Buffalo New York 1 0
#116 University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Oklahoma 6 0
#121 Arizona State University-Tempe Arizona 27 6
#121 George Mason University Virginia 6 2
#137 James Madison University Virginia 61 0
#299 Tennessee Technological University Tennessee 6 3
LAC #3 Pomona College California 1 0
LAC #12 Vassar College New York 18 0
LAC #14 Wesleyan University Connecticut 19 1
LAC #22 Colby College Maine 5 1
LAC #38 Scripps College California 2 0
LAC #100 University of Puget Sound Washington 6 0
LAC #100 Beloit College Wisconsin 3 0
— Farmingdale State College New York 207 4
— University of Washington-Bothell Campus Washington 17 0
— Arizona State University Digital Immersion Arizona 14 0
— Southeastern Louisiana University Louisiana 12 12
— Washburn University Kansas 7 0
— South Dakota School of Mines and Technology South Dakota 5 0
— Central Wyoming College Wyoming 5 1
— California State Polytechnic University-Pomona California 2 0
— Pennsylvania State University-World Campus Pennsylvania 1 1

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 149,840 — $90,630
Natural Sciences Managers 108,690 $86.66 $180,250

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.