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Human and social dimensions of science and technology, PhD

Creating and understanding innovative and inclusive futures require diverse perspectives, methods and expertise.

The PhD program in human and social dimensions of science and technology responds to the 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 students who, in conjunction with their advisors, design carefully crafted plans of study relevant to their own areas of specialization and expertise. Unique among programs of this kind in the nation, students also learn to communicate and work with scientists, engineers, policymakers, business and community officials, or the public to conduct and apply research.

This program also prepares students 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 their current and future interactions with society.

At a glance

Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology, PhD

Plan of study

The Plan of study is the required curriculum to complete the program.

View plan of study

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the School for the Future of Innovation in Society.

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 applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in an applicable master’s degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • HSD academic record form
  • A curriculum vitae or resume
  • A personal statement
  • A writing sample
  • General GRE scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Additional application information

An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of 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 score of at least 550 (PBT) or 80 (iBT). ASU’s institutional code is 4007. ASU only accepts electronic copies of the TOEFL score report.

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 one or more faculty members whose interests or work are relevant to the student’s proposed research, and describes the goals for pursuing the degree.

The writing sample should be a 10-25 page sample of academic writing, such as a course paper, an undergraduate thesis, or an excerpt from a master’s thesis. The writing sample MUST be solely authored by the applicant