Science, the Environment, Technology, and Society (SETS)

The SETS major offers students a multi-disciplinary course of study that analyzes science, technology, and the environment within their broader cultural contexts, including intellectual and social history, environmental history, religious studies, and philosophy.

Students will choose one of several specialties as a focus for their coursework, such as Philosophy of Science, History of Science and Technology, Science and Technology Policy, or Environmental History. Moreover, students are required to become knowledgeable about one or more areas of science, technology, environmental studies, or public policy, as the department believes such literacy is an important part of a land-grant institution liberal arts education. Students will therefore be required to take at least 12 credits in an appropriate science, social science or engineering discipline. Finally, a capstone is required for all students; each will complete an original research paper synthesizing their scientific, technological, and humanistic knowledge.

SETS Option

Approved Science/Technology/Social Sciences Courses for SETS Option

In addition to satisfying the university core science requirements, students, only after consultation with their academic advisor, are required to take 12 credits of science in one science or engineering or social science or public policy discipline. One of these courses must be at the 300 or 400 level.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. Students must receive a grade of C- or better in all required courses.