Career Opportunities for STES Majors

With the rapid increase in urbanization and globalization, STES 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 the many complex philosophical, political, economic, and legal issues surrounding science, technology, and the environment: What kinds of science should be taught in our schools? How should environmental resources be protected? Who should pay for scientific research? What if any restrictions should be placed upon research in human genetics? How can we better quantify and place value on ecosystem services? 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 STES.

In this scientific and technological world, majoring or minoring in STS or ENV provides an excellent foundation for many careers. STES students acquire a broad view of the institutions, practice, and culture of science, technology and the environment 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 centers, or in education.
  • Policy-related or commercial posts involving research funding and administration, regulatory or public interest responsibilities, environmental protection, technology transfer, natural resource management, and government service on national and international levels.
  • Graduate studies in science and technology and environmental 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 STES graduates are now in medical school and claim that their STES courses were very helpful to the experiences in medical schools.
  • Broader careers in finance, law, commerce, conservation, and many other spheres.
  • Careers in public health: disease prevention, epidemiology, education, communication.

What do Butler STES 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 areas our graduates have gone into:

  • Public Information Officer, Indiana Department of Environmental Management
  • Coordinator, Peace Economy Project, St. Louis, MO
  • Human Resources Coordinator, American Academy of Dermatology
  • Human Resources Recruiter, Digitas, a global internet marketing company
  • Sales and Communications, Wisconsin Wind and Power Systems
  • Quality and Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Owens and Minor
  • Health, Safety and Environmental Associate, Cummins
  • Program Director, Indiana Department of Public Health
  • Audit Specialist & Consultant, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
  • Health Careers:
    • M.D., Indiana School of Medicine, resident in Family Medicine with Community Health Network
    • M.A. Philosophy, Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis.
    • Communications, health blogger for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Livestrong
    • Ph.D. in Physical Therapy from Creighton University, Omaha, NE. Board Certified and Licensed Physical Therapist
    • R.N. University of Missouri.  Seeking to become a professor of nursing
    • Associate in Oncology Global External Research and Development, Eli Lilly and Co.
  • Academic Careers:
    • Ph.D. Philosophy of Science, The University of Pittsburgh
    • Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Information Studies, University of Southern California