Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in History and Sociology of Technology and Science

The School offers a program of graduate study in the history and sociology of technology and science at the doctoral level. The program emphasizes the understanding of technology and science within a broad social and historical context. Students develop a strong general background in history and sociology, and acquire skills in research, social analysis, and writing. Doctoral students first complete the MS in History and Sociology following the Technology and Science track.

All PhD programs must incorporate a standard set of Requirements for the Doctoral Degree

Required Courses15
Electives9
Research Paper (Special Problems) 16
Comprehensive Exam (normally taken in the third academic year) 2
Dissertation
Total Credit Hours30
1

Completion of a satisfactory research paper is essential for those students wishing to proceed to doctoral candidacy. 

2

The examinations cover material from three fields of study, which will be determined by a student's selection of history or sociology as the area of concentration.

Following satisfactory performance in the comprehensive examinations, the doctoral student submits a dissertation proposal, which must meet the approval of their dissertation committee. The candidate will then proceed to the final requirement for the degree: the completion of the PhD dissertation and its successful defense by oral examination.