Certificate Overview

The graduate certificate program in Politics and Policy Studies of Science and Technology (STS) targets three audiences: graduate students in other programs at Virginia Tech who would like to demonstrate additional competence in the politics and policies of STS, graduate students in contributing departments who would like to demonstrate special competence in the politics and policies of STS in their home discipline, and non-degree-seeking students who desire special competence in the politics and policies of STS for career advancement. In addition, mid-career professionals pursue this certificate if they are not particularly interested in another degree, however, they would like to be able to point to the completion of some shorter course of study. Students in this certificate program will critically assess science and technology policy. Students will be exposed to issues in bioethics in public policy, information technology, and politics.

How to Apply:
Fill out the online application for participation in the certificate program.

Upon processing of the application, you will be contacted
with information about the submission of additional
required materials. Thank you for your interest.

Admission Requirements

Graduate students accepted in any other graduate program at Virginia Tech would be admitted to the Politics and Policy Studies of Science and Technology graduate certificate program on the basis of their acceptance to their home department.

Recommendations for admission to the certificate program for non-degree-seeking students would be made by the STS Graduate Admissions Committee, based on transcripts, a writing sample, a statement of purpose, and the minimal requirements specified in the Graduate Catalogue for admission to the Graduate School. (These admissions criteria differ from our regular degree admissions in that they require neither the GRE nor letters of recommendation).

Course Requirements

Number of Credit Hours: 12 credit hours. Only 6 cr can be double-counted for this certificate and a graduate degree. Transfer credits are not permitted.

Required Courses (6 credit hours):

STS/SOC 5105: Social Studies of Science and Technology I

STS/PAPA 5614 Introduction to Science and Technology Policy

Restrictive Elective (6 credit hours):

STS 5424: Topics in Science and Technology Studies

STS 5444: Issues in Bioethics

STS/PAPA 6664: Advanced Topics in Science and Technology Policy

PSCI/GIA 5354: Public Policy Analysis

PSCI/GIA 5214: Contemporary Political Theory

SPIA/GIA 5454: Advanced Topics in Information Technology and Public Policy

SPIA/GIA 5555: Culture, Politics, and Society in a Networked Environment

UAP 5564: Information Technology, Society, and Public Policy