Program Overview

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Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology, PhD

Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy 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.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation

Required Core

• HSD 601 HSD I: Human Dimensions of Science and Technology (4)
• HSD 602 HSD II: Science, Power and Politics (4)

Electives and Research

• 64 credit hours
• Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
  • HSD 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information

This is a research degree, culminating in a dissertation, which must draw on multiple disciplinary perspectives. 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.

Comprehensive Examination

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.

Dissertation

The dissertation represents an original body of research that contributes to existing knowledge in a significant way.

Final Examination

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.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• 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 (taken in a testing center) score of at least 80.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: December 1

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• 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.

Global Opportunities

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.

Career Opportunities

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. Career examples include:

• Director of operations
• Energy social scientist
• Executive director
• Information security manager
• Professor
• Research and development associate
• Research strategist

Program Details

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.