Science, Technology and Society - Science - Nature - Culture
The Science, Technology and Society: Science – Nature – Culture Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and cultural and environmental contexts. The curriculum integrates science studies, technology analysis, environmental and cultural studies, history of science, and research methodology, enabling students to critically examine how science and technology shape, and are shaped by, society and the natural world. Students engage in research projects, field studies, and interdisciplinary analysis, developing analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for understanding and addressing contemporary societal challenges.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, collaborative research, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in science and technology studies, environmental analysis, and cultural inquiry. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking, research proficiency, and applied scholarship, preparing graduates to analyze the social, cultural, and environmental impacts of science and technology and contribute to policy, education, and research initiatives. Students leave the program with analytical skills, research competence, critical reasoning, and interdisciplinary insight, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in science and technology studies, policy, research, or cultural institutions.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Science, Technology and Society - Science - Nature - Culture
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Area & Cultural Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Science, Technology and Society
- Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society
- Nature and Culture: Historical Perspectives
- Research Methods and Critical Analysis
- Science, Ethics, and Society
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Science and Culture
- History and Philosophy of Science
- Technology and Society
- Environmental and Cultural Perspectives
- Electives: Science Communication, Innovation Studies, or Sociology of Science
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Contemporary Issues in Science, Technology, and Society
- Applied Research Projects and Case Studies
- Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Data Analysis
- Electives: Policy Studies, Science and Culture, or Environmental Humanities
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Science, Nature, and Culture
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Experiential Project in Research, Policy, or Cultural Institutions
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Science, Technology and Society program are prepared for careers in policy analysis, research, science communication, technology consulting, cultural institutions, and environmental advocacy. Alumni may work as policy advisors, researchers, science communicators, or pursue graduate studies in science and technology studies, environmental science, sociology, or public policy. The program equips graduates to critically analyze the social and cultural dimensions of science and technology, design evidence-based interventions, and communicate complex ideas effectively. With strong analytical, research, and interdisciplinary skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments addressing the intersections of science, society, and culture.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of scientific analysis, technological study, cultural and environmental perspectives, and applied research within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, interdisciplinary projects, and experiential learning that connect theoretical frameworks with real-world applications in research, policy, and cultural contexts. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary reasoning, preparing graduates to assess the impacts of science and technology, influence policy, and contribute meaningfully to academic, professional, and cultural initiatives. For students passionate about exploring the interplay of science, technology, and culture, and applying scholarly insight to societal challenges, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
