B.S. in Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences
The B.S. in Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences is a four-year undergraduate progr...
B.S. in Science, Technology, and Society
Rapid City, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.S. in Science, Technology, and Society at South Dakota Mines is an interdisciplinary degree that challenges students to connect scientific and technological innovations with real-world societal problems. The program focuses on how scientific knowledge influences social change and how societal factors, including economic, political, and cultural motives, shape scientific research and technological advancement. Students are trained to distinguish between sound and unsound interpretations of scientific information and to employ ethical considerations in examining scientific issues. The degree offers flexibility with two primary tracks: Environment and Sustainability or Policy and Law, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Science, Technology, and Society program at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a STEM-designated degree. This designation is highly advantageous, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it qualifies them for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This allows for an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, providing a total of up to three years of valuable practical experience in their specialized field.
Curriculum: The B.S. in Science, Technology, and Society curriculum at SDSMT is broad and interdisciplinary, combining coursework from natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Core courses often include Composition, General Biology, Introduction to Statistics, Communication in the STEM Workplace, and an Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society. Students delve into courses like Computers in Society, Principles of Ecology, Environmental Law & Policy, Environmental History of the US, and explorations in STEM Communications. A significant portion of the curriculum allows for electives from various departments, including 300/400 level science, engineering, humanities, and social science courses. The program culminates in a Senior-level Writing and Research in Science, Technology, and Society course, often involving an independent research project.
Research Focus: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology encourages undergraduate research across its programs, and the Science, Technology, and Society program provides opportunities for students to engage in projects that analyze the societal impacts of scientific and technological innovations. While specific STS-focused research labs might not be as prevalent as in traditional engineering departments, students can participate in faculty-guided research that aligns with their chosen track (Environment and Sustainability or Policy and Law). This could involve studying the ethics of AI, the societal implications of environmental policy, or historical analyses of scientific breakthroughs and their social reception. The university's overall emphasis on research within STEM fields offers a supportive environment for interdisciplinary inquiry.
Industry Engagement: SDSMT actively prepares its Science, Technology, and Society graduates for diverse careers through its strong connections and focus on practical application. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, which are highly valued across various sectors. Graduates are prepared for roles that require understanding the intersection of technology and society, making them attractive to government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and private sectors focusing on technological developments and their societal implications. Students are encouraged to pursue internships and co-op opportunities to gain real-world experience, enhancing their readiness for the workforce.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Science, Technology, and Society program at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology inherently fosters a global perspective by examining universal challenges and issues related to science, technology, and their impact on human societies worldwide. Topics such as climate change, bioethics, global health, and international public policy are core to STS studies and transcend national borders. The curriculum's interdisciplinary nature, drawing from various fields, encourages students to consider diverse cultural and historical contexts of scientific and technological development. This prepares graduates to engage with complex global issues and contribute to solutions that require an understanding of both technical and societal dimensions on an international scale.
Location
Rapid City, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 16500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $21
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 46 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SD Mines) is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying in the United States and make quality STEM education more accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International undergraduate students with strong academic performance are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on GPA, standardized test scores (if applicable), and academic achievements. No separate application is required for most merit-based awards.
Presidential and Distinction Scholarships: High-achieving international applicants may qualify for Presidential Scholarships, which offer substantial tuition reductions. These competitive awards are typically renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains a specified GPA and full-time enrollment status.
Departmental Scholarships: Several academic departments at SD Mines offer program-specific scholarships to international students enrolled in engineering, science, and technology programs. These scholarships may be based on academic performance, research potential, or involvement in departmental activities.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Science, Technology, and Society (STS) from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDSMT) provides a distinctive education at the intersection of scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and societal impact.
Science Communicator/Writer: Translates complex scientific and technological information into understandable language for various audiences (e.g., public, policymakers, media). This can involve roles in journalism, technical writing, public relations, or museum education.
Environmental Policy Analyst: Researches and evaluates environmental issues and existing policies, then develops recommendations for new or improved policies to address sustainability, conservation, or pollution control at government agencies or non-profit organizations.
Public Policy Analyst/Advisor: Examines the societal impact of scientific and technological advancements and advises government bodies, think tanks, or advocacy groups on policy decisions related to areas like bioethics, data privacy, or energy policy.
Community Development Specialist: Works with communities to understand their needs related to technology and infrastructure, helping to implement projects that align with sustainable development goals and improve quality of life.
Technical Sales/Marketing: Combines scientific literacy with communication skills to explain complex technical products or services to clients, often in industries like software, biotech, or renewable energy.
Program Coordinator (Non-profit/Government): Manages and supports programs that involve scientific research, technology implementation, or public outreach, particularly in areas like public health, environmental initiatives, or STEM education.
Ethical AI/Technology Analyst: Assesses the ethical implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, advising companies or regulatory bodies on responsible development and deployment.
Project Manager (Interdisciplinary Projects): Oversees projects that require bridging technical expertise with societal considerations, ensuring successful outcomes by managing diverse teams and stakeholder expectations.
Law School or Graduate School (e.g., Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Law): The strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills developed in an STS program provide an excellent foundation for further academic or professional study in fields that require interdisciplinary approaches.
Education (Science/Math Teacher): With appropriate certifications, STS graduates can pursue careers as science or mathematics teachers, bringing a unique perspective on the societal relevance and context of STEM subjects to their students.
