The Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy (STEP) Minor brings together students from all majors who are curious about how technological innovation, science and society shape one another. Jointly supported by the School of Public Policy, the College of Information Studies, and the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the STEP Minor invites students to explore the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of science and technology.
Through interdisciplinary coursework grounded in the field of science and technology studies (STS) and through experiential learning, you’ll gain practical and durable skills for examining how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, climate engineering, biotechnology, and data science intersect with politics, law, economics, culture, and everyday life. Along the way, you’ll develop the analytical tools to navigate ambiguity, anticipate challenges, design equitable solutions, and think critically about how technology and science can serve the public good.
The minor culminates in a capstone project that integrates insights from science and technology studies, policy, ethics, and information science to address a real-world research problem related to your interests with creativity and care.