Degree in Society, Technology & Policy

Bachelor of Science

The BS in Society, Technology & Policy Program (STP) at WPI puts you on the cutting edge of global issues where society and technology merge. You will dive into current critical problems like cybersecurity, immigration policies, global health, environmental regulations around waterways, or the political systems in the United States and other countries. Most importantly, you will learn how to interpret and communicate the complex contemporary policy decisions for scientists and technologists and also technical details for policymakers—a well sought-after skill in today’s job market.

Value Proposition Description

We offer the big-picture view to make you a well-rounded student who might concentrate in areas like law, policy, or history and culture. Our distinct learning culture offers the specialized combination of WPI’s technical and scientific resources, the latest research tools, and expert and engaged faculty to investigate and explain how social science and technology issues impact everything from environmental regulation to public policy.

Please contact the STP Director if you have additional questions about the program.

Curriculum

The Society, Technology & Policy major’s course work is broad so you’re technically literate and able to translate complex scientific, policy, and regulatory information to any audience. You’ll take math, science, history, and social science courses, and then focus on a scientific specialty area dedicated to your own interests.

You’ll work closely with our world-class faculty to determine the best courses for a stand-alone major or to complement another major. You’ll learn how to synthesize social policy with technical materials, so you’ll be literate in things like how policy can help improve cybersecurity, how governments deal with global health challenges, or how policies related to environmental issues can have far-reaching impacts.

Preview

Project-based Learning

Project-based learning is at the core of the WPI undergraduate education. Throughout your four years here, you’ll work in small project-based teams where you’ll apply your classroom knowledge and find new ways to solve problems in real-world settings.  Students in the Society, Technology & Policy major might examine everything from urban design and greenspace development to cybersecurity issues to social attitudes toward artificial intelligence.

More Value

Whether it’s real-world work experience through a co-op or internshipearning a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four or five years through the BS/MS program, or integrating your coursework with your extracurricular interests through Major and a Mission, there are many ways you can make the most out of your time at WPI.

Contact

Location: Salisbury Labs, 3rd Floor Rm 315

Phone: 508-556-0414

Fax: 508-831-5896