The Science, Technology, and Society (STS) Certificate provides an interdisciplinary framework for examining the complex relationship between scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and social change. Bridging the social sciences and humanities, the program explores how science and technology both shape and are shaped by cultural values, ethics, politics, and social institutions. Students learn to critically analyze the social dimensions of scientific practice and technological development, recognizing that progress is not purely technical but deeply embedded within social contexts. Through this lens, students gain the tools to evaluate and design technologies that promote equity, access, and responsibility in a rapidly evolving world. The certificate requires 15 credit hours, including SYP 2422: Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society (the required core course), two courses in the humanities, and two in the social sciences.
Science, Technology, and Society (STS) Certificate may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.
Degree Requirements
Required Course
3 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- SYP2422 - Science, Technology, and Society (3)
Restricted Electives
12 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Complete at least 2 of the following:
- HIS3470 - History of Technology, Society and Affluence (3)
- ENC3417 - Literacy and Technology (3)
- ENC3455 - Writing about Science and Technology (3)
- HIS3462 - History of Science (3)
- LIT4433 - Literature of Science and Technology (3)
- ENG3861 - Digital Humanities Approaches to AI (3)
- PHI3626 - Advanced Ethics in Science and Technology (3)
- PHI4400 - Philosophy of Science (3)
- WST3610 - Gender and Technology (3)
- HUM4381 - Race and Technology (3)
- Complete at least 2 of the following:
- ANT3082 - New Frontiers: Anthropology of Space (3)
- ANT4535 - Scientific Prejudice and Anthropology (3)
- COM4332 - Communication, Technology, and Change (3)
- RTV4403 - Electronic Media, Technology, and Society (3)
- CPO4705 - The Politics of Artificial Intelligence in Comparative Perspective (3)
- INR4764 - Cyberwarfare Policy (3)
- SYO3530 - Social Power and Inequality (3)
- SYP3323 - Video Games in Society (3)
- EXP3604 - Cognitive Psychology (3)
- EXP3404 - Basic Learning Processes (3)
Grand Total Credits: 15
- Foreign Language Requirements – None
- Total Semester Hours Required – 15
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required in courses used to satisfy the certificate.
- No credit by exam (TSD, military credit) may be used.
- Internship, Independent Study, or Independent Research credits cannot be used toward the certificate.
- At least 12 hours used in the certificate must be earned at UCF.
- Course substitutions must be approved in advance by the Department of Sociology Undergraduate Program Director.
