Careers Opportunities for STS Majors
As the global economy increasingly comes to depend upon an
understanding of science and technology, STS students will find
their knowledge and skills to be in high demand. While many career
opportunities are available to scientists and technologists,
increasingly there is demand for non-scientists who have some
training within science and technology but who also have an
understanding of the institutions of science and their place in
modern society. Think for instance about all the complex
philosophical, political, economic and legal issues surrounding
science and technology: What kinds of science should be taught in
our schools? Who should pay for scientific research? What if any
restrictions should be placed upon research in human genetics? How
should we regulate speech and commerce on the Internet? How do we
develop policies that will lower greenhouse gases? These are
questions that are faced by professionals in business, government,
the law, medicine and other areas. Facing them requires the kind of
multi-dimensional perspective of STS.
In this scientific and technological world, majoring or minoring
in Science and Technology studies provided an excellent foundation
for many careers. STS students acquire a broad view of the
institutions, practice, and culture of science and technology, from
inside and out. They are uniquely qualified for the increasing
range of jobs that involve contact between professional science and
the wider culture.
- careers and further training in science communication: in
print, radio and television broadcasting, in museums or science
centres, or in education.
- policy-related or commercial posts involving research funding
and administration, regulatory or public interest responsibilities,
environmental protection, technology transfer, and government
service on national and international levels.
- graduate studies in science and technology studies. Two recent
grads are working toward advanced degrees at the University of
Pittsburgh and Indiana University.
- medical schools are eager to have students with a broad
background in the humanities. Two of our STS graduates are now in
medical school and claim that their STS courses were very helpful
to the experiences in medical schools.
- broader careers in finance, law, commerce, and many other
spheres.
- careers in public health: disease prevention, epidemiology,
education, communication.
What do Butler STS graduates do with their degree?
Our graduates may seek employment immediately after graduation
or they may seek post-graduate degrees in medicine, nursing, public
health, environmental management and other areas. The
following is a partial list of our graduates and their current
status:
Rob Elstro '01: Public
Information Officer, Indiana Department of Environmental
Management
Andy Heaslet '02: Coordinator, Peace Economy Project, St.
Louis, MO
Drew E. Scheidenhelm '02: Human Resources Coordinator, American
Academy of Dermatology
Jovana Bulajic '04: Human Resources Recruiter, Digitas, a
global internet marketing company
Elliot Rezlaff '09: Sales and Communications, Wisconsin Wind
and Power Systems
Health Careers:
Amy Olin '00: M.D., Indiana
School of Medicine, resident in Family Medicine with Community
Health Network
Brooke McMillan '03: M.A. Philosophy, Indiana University
Purdue University of Indianapolis. Communications, health
blogger for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Livestrong.
Karri Voskuhl '05: Ph.D. in Physical Therapy from Creighton
University, Omaha, NE. Board Certified and Licensed Physical
Therapist.
Courtney Stanback '07: R.N. University of Missouri.
Seeking to become a professor of nursing.
Academic Careers:
Lindsay Craig '04: Ph.D.
Philosophy of Science, The University of Pittsburgh
Michael Wartenbe '07: Ph.D. Candidate, Department of
Information Studies, University of Southern California