Georgia Institute of TechnologySchool of History, Technology, and Society
School of History, Technology, and Society

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MS Program

The MS in History and Sociology of Technology and Science

The History and Sociology of Technology and Science master's degree program appeals to a broad range of students and professionals. Those with technical backgrounds are exposed to broad socio-historical perspectives on science and technology, while those with backgrounds in the humanities and social sciences develop an aptitude for tackling scientific and technical questions. All students gain skills in social analysis and in oral and written communication, which serve to enhance employment opportunities in a variety of occupations. The master's in history and sociology can be a jumping-off point for further professional training in law, business, or public policy and is an asset to those seeking careers in museums, historical agencies, or other public history, and public service organizations. It is an excellent opportunity for those interested in high school or community college teaching and for current teachers seeking to upgrade their training and incorporate new materials into the classroom. In addition, it is often a first step for students pursuing the PhD.

Curriculum and Requirements

The master's program includes a series of foundation courses as well as more specialized reading and research seminars. Though a thesis is not required, the program emphasizes analytical and communications skills, gained through a methods course and research paper.

A minimum of 30 semester hours are distributed as follows:

  • HTS 6001 Social Theory (3 hours)
  • HTS 6002 History of Technology (3 hours)
  • HTS 7001 Foundations of Socio-Historical Analysis (3 hours)
  • HTS 8001 Comparative History of Labor, Industry, Technology, and Society (3 hours)
  • or HTS 8002 Social and Cultural Perspectives on Technology and Science (3 hours)
  • 18 additional hours, including at least 12 hours within HTS
  • Note that up to six of these additional hours may be awarded as credit for independent study or for directed readings with individual professors. Students routinely receive three hours of independent study credit for completion of the required original research paper. Those pursuing sufficiently rigorous research agendas may receive as many as three additional hours; students who write two papers may receive three credit hours for each.
  • Beyond the thirty hours, students are free to enroll in a mix of independent studies, special topics, and other courses as they and their advisors see fit.

The required research paper must be based on upon substantial original research. Ordinarily, students will pursue this assignment after completing HTS 7001 (Foundations of Socio-Historical Analysis) or in conjunction with that course. Research and writing are supervised by a member of the HTS faculty and chosen by the student with the agreement of the faculty member. The final paper must be read and approved by that person and by at least one other member of the HTS faculty, chosen by the faculty supervisor. Students should strive to produce papers suitable for publication in an academic journal, and they should expect to present their results to the Graduate Forum.

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