Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology, PhD
Civic Engagement, Communication, Culture, Future, Information, Innovation, Interdisciplinary Studies, Policy, Public, STS, Society, Solutions, digital, ethics, government
Science and technology are powerful forces in the modern world. You can become an expert in creating and understanding innovative and inclusive futures that draw on diverse perspectives and methods, and shape the debates around innovation and public values.
The PhD program in human and social dimensions of science and technology is an intellectually rigorous program with problem-oriented research. It prepares students to teach and conduct research using humanistic and social science methods on the social, historical, philosophical and policy foundations of science and technology, as well as on their current and future interactions with society.
The curriculum responds to growing demand for transdisciplinary research in the humanities, information sciences and social sciences that can provide insights into the dynamic relationship between science, technology and society.
The program is flexible, combining a strong, integrated first-year experience with substantial freedom for students who, in conjunction with their advisors, design carefully crafted plans of study relevant to their own areas of specialization and expertise. Distinct from programs of this kind in the nation, students also learn to communicate and work with scientists, engineers, policymakers, business and community officials, or the public in conducting and applying research.
- College/school:
College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (8 credit hours) Electives and Research (64 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students may apply up to 30 credit hours from a prior master's degree toward the total hour requirement, upon approval of the steering committee. Each student, with his or her supervisory committee, develops a distinct plan of study, which the student's supervisory committee approves. Each student completes a yearlong core seminar, a second-year research project, two major fields, one minor field, methods training, electives and research. Students also regularly attend the program colloquia. There are no foreign language or statistics requirements, except as needed for a particular student's selected dissertation project. Comprehensive Examination Dissertation Final Examination
HSD 601 HSD I: Human Dimensions of Science and Technology (4)
HSD 602 HSD II: Science, Power and Politics (4)
HSD 799 Dissertation (12)
This is a research degree, culminating in a dissertation, which must draw on multiple disciplinary perspectives.
The written dissertation prospectus and its oral defense constitute the written and oral comprehensive examinations required by the Graduate College for advancement to candidacy. Each student develops a written dissertation prospectus, including a bibliography and discussion of relevant research skills. The student makes an oral defense of the dissertation prospectus to the supervisory committee, which must approve the prospectus. Students normally complete the dissertation prospectus and its defense in the fifth semester.
The dissertation represents an original body of research that contributes to existing knowledge in a significant way.
Upon completing the dissertation, the student makes an oral defense of the dissertation to the supervisory committee, which must approve the dissertation. The doctorate is granted upon successful completion of the oral defense and any revisions to the dissertation required by committee members.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- HSD academic record form
- a curriculum vitae or resume
- a personal statement
- a writing sample
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. In order to meet English proficiency students must have an IELTS overall band score of at least 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or Pearson Test of English score of at least 60, or a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80. ASU's institutional code is 4007. ASU only accepts electronic copies of the TOEFL score report.
Preference is given to students with demonstrated interest and competence in relevant areas of intellectual work.
The personal statement should be one or two single-spaced pages. It must be a statement of proposed research that clearly explains why the student feels ASU is the appropriate place to pursue their doctorate, identifies at least one faculty member whose interest or work is relevant to the student's proposed research, and describes the goals for pursuing the degree.
The writing sample should be a 10- to 25-page sample of academic writing, such as a course paper, an undergraduate thesis, or an excerpt from a master's thesis.
Students should see the program website for application deadlines.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Evaluate foundational theories and existing literature in humanistic and social studies of science and technology and identify gaps and opportunities for future research
- Design a comprehensive research proposal to critique, analyze and explore a key issue or theme in the human and social dimensions of science and technology
- Communicate, orally and in writing, a well-developed research agenda in the human and social dimensions of science and technology
Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures Study Abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.
Professionals with expertise in the human and societal dimensions of science, technology and innovation are in high demand across many sectors. From the School for the Future of Innovation in Society's 2022 alumni employment survey, 100% of doctoral program respondents are employed and have jobs directly related to their degree.
Most graduates have careers in academia, but a number also work in nonprofits, think tanks and government. Skills in foresight, technology assessment, implications and values of innovation, and science policy are critical for guiding businesses, institutions, governments and societies in considering and shaping the role of science, technology and innovation in their futures.
Career examples include:
- director of operations
- energy social scientist
- executive director
- information security manager
- professor
- research and development associate
- research strategist
School for the Future of Innovation in Society
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ISTBX 367B
sfisgrad@asu.edu
480-965-6584
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
