Science, Technology and Society
Study the relationships between science, technology, and society. Complex issues face our world today such as digital surveillance and information manipulation, environmental degradation and climate change, technological transformations related to AI and robotics, ethics and genomics, pharmaceutical governance, and sustainable food production.
STS scholars use a range of interdisciplinary approaches to deal with these important issues. Our research helps inform social decision-making by recognizing that solutions to complex contemporary challenges have multiple interacting natural, social and technical features. We assign high priority to communicating our expertise and understanding of these complex issues to science and non-science academics and students, policy makers as well as the public at large.
Our aim is to educate future scientists, engineers, politicians, business executives, computer programmers, and responsible citizens to integrate scientific and technical competence with critical thinking, human values, and social and environmental responsibility.
Why degree in STS?
Distinguish your degree: York Science is the only place in Canada that offers major and minor programs in Science, Technology, and Society. STS students learn about scientific knowledge and governance, technological change and controversies, innovation policy, and political economy using tools from the social sciences, humanities, and cultural studies. Students learn how to work between disciplines in a way that prepares them for professional and graduate schools, teaching, journalism, policy, and more.
Science and Technology in Action: A degree in STS allows you to better communicate the "real life" impact and social repercussions that science and technology have on different groups in society.
Stand For Science: A degree in STS allows you to understand the rise of anti-science movements, how information is manipulated about science and technology (e.g., vaccines, climate change), and how these problems can be tackled through strategic communications.
Science, Technology, and Social Justice: STS students learn about equity, diversity, and inclusivity by examining local, national, and global science and technology controversies in past and present societies.
Program Details
Offered By
Degrees Offered
Sample Schedule (First-year)
- Introduction to Science, Technology and Society
- Exploring Science, Technology and Society
- Exploring Gender in STEM
Possible Career Paths
- green entrepreneurship
- science, medical and technical writing
- non-profits
- science and technology communications
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Admission Requirements
I am a high-school student I have completed at least one year of full-time study at college or university I have been away from high-school for at least two years I have never studied in a formal academic high-school environment Returning / Reactivating student (previously York) Visiting StudentsYou are required to provide official evidence of academic achievement in secondary education. This can be demonstrated through:
- Final grades under the Ontario curriculum (obtained through correspondence, night school or through TVO)
- Credentials through other curricula, such as results from Advanced Placement (AP) or Advanced-level courses in the General Certificate of Education (GCE). (Students may register to sit for the AP and GCE examinations as private candidates.)
In the absence of final grades in courses:
- You must submit the results of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a minimum combined total of 1170 on the Critical Reading and Math components or a composite American College Testing (ACT) score of 24.
- Your application will be reviewed by an admissions sub-committee. If admitted, you will not be eligible for entrance scholarships. You will be considered for continuing student scholarships at the end of your first year of study, if you satisfy those criteria.
You may also be required to provide proof of language proficiency. You will be considered for entrance scholarships on the basis of your overall averages in the six 4U/4M (Ontario curriculum) or equivalent courses.