Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology, PhD
Study how science, technology and innovation shape communities, institutions and public policy in this human and social dimensions of science and technology degree. You'll build the research expertise to generate scholarship that supports more responsible and sustainable futures.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology PhD 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 you 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.
The curriculum responds to growing demand for transdisciplinary research in the humanities, information sciences and social sciences that can provide insights into the dynamic relationship between science, technology and society.
The program is flexible, combining a strong, integrated first-year experience with substantial freedom for you to design carefully crafted plans of study relevant to your own areas of specialization and expertise, in conjunction with your advisors. Distinct from programs of this kind in the nation, you also learn to communicate and work with scientists, engineers, policymakers, business and community officials, or the public in conducting and applying research.
Why earn your human and social dimensions of science and technology PhD at ASU?
Unlike traditional doctoral programs in sociology, political science, or public policy, this degree places science, technology, and innovation at the center of inquiry, where you'll examine technology as a social phenomenon.
With a strong emphasis on responsible innovation, this doctorate prepares you to influence public policy and the future of innovation across academia, government, industry and international organizations.
Additional details
Beyond your coursework, you can tap into a range of opportunities through the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, along with hundreds of study abroad options and student organizations across the broader ASU community.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (8 credit hours) Electives and Research (64 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information 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. Each student completes a yearlong core seminar, a second-year research project, two major fields, one minor field, methods training, electives and research. Students also regularly attend the program colloquia. There are no foreign language or statistics requirements, except as needed for a particular student's selected dissertation project. Comprehensive Examination Dissertation Final Examination
HSD 601 HSD I: Human Dimensions of Science and Technology (4)
HSD 602 HSD II: Science, Power and Politics (4)
HSD 799 Dissertation (12)
This is a research degree, culminating in a dissertation, which must draw on multiple disciplinary perspectives.
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.
The dissertation represents an original body of research that contributes to existing knowledge in a significant way.
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.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- 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.
Evaluate foundational theories and existing literature in humanistic and social studies of science and technology and identify gaps and opportunities for future research.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Rob Walton 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: Additional Application Information Preference is given to students with demonstrated interest and competence in relevant areas of intellectual work. The personal statement should be one or two single-spaced pages. It must be a statement of proposed research that clearly explains why the student feels ASU is the appropriate place to pursue their doctorate, identifies at least one faculty member whose interest or work is relevant to the student's proposed research, and describes the goals for pursuing the degree. The writing sample should be a 10- to 25-page sample of academic writing, such as a course paper, an undergraduate thesis, or an excerpt from a master's thesis. Students should see the program website for application deadlines.
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® score of at least 4, or a score of 80 (taken at a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026. ASU's institutional code is 4007. ASU only accepts electronic copies of the TOEFL score report.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the Rob Walton 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.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the Rob Walton College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this human and social dimensions of science and technology PhD degree prepares you for
Professionals with expertise in the human and societal dimensions of science, technology and innovation are in high demand across many sectors. Students can explore alumni employment data on theRob Walton College of Global Futures employment data page.
Most graduates have careers in academia, but a number also work in nonprofits, think tanks and government. Skills in foresight, technology assessment, implications and values of innovation, and science policy are critical for guiding businesses, institutions, governments and societies in considering and shaping the role of science, technology and innovation in their futures.
Career examples include:
- director of operations
- energy social scientist
- executive director
- information security manager
- professor
- research and development associate
- research strategist
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Innovation Futures
|
ISTBX 366
sfisgrad@asu.edu
480-965-6584
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
