Science, Technology and Engineering in Policy (STEP) Graduate Certificate
Science, Technology and Engineering in Policy (STEP)
The STEP program offers a 12-credit graduate certificate and four core graduate-level courses primarily targeted towards STEM-H students but open to all. The program also encompasses opportunities for the wider campus community (and beyond) through our annual spring seminar series, keynote lecture, and other activities.
In order to be effective participants in policy processes, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and healthcare (STEM-H) experts need to have an understanding of how policy is made, implemented, and evaluated. The STEP program introduces students, expert (or soon-to-be) in their scientific field, to fundamental principles of policy in practice, in all of their complexity, including tools for understanding policy processes. The program is organized around five key concepts: Policymaking process, values and ethics, collaborative engagement, communication, and integrating scientific and technical information into policy.
STEP is a core initiative of the +Policy Network and is administered by the Graduate School and STEP Director, Todd Schenk (tschenk@vt.edu).
STEP is required curriculum for an NSF-sponsored National Research Traineeship in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance!
Fellowship Opportunities
A fellowship with an agency or organization is a fantastic way to further enhance your understanding and hone your skills in engaging at the science-policy interface. It can also be an invaluable steppingstone into new career opportunities. STEP students and alumni have been very successful with multiple programs at the state and federal levels. Find more information on fellowship opportunities below.
Explore the Curriculum
Course Modality: Hybrid
Course are offered in both an in-person and online format:
- Zoom/Virtual: Blacksburg, Arlington, and Virtual Students
- In-Person: Blacksburg
The 12-credit STEP Graduate Certificate is targeted towards STEM-H students interested in developing their understanding and capacities to effectively operate at the science-policy interface. These skills are invaluable whether one wants to pursue a career in the public sector, the private or non-profit sectors, or in academia in a world that increasingly emphasizes convergence.
STEP courses may be taken a-la-carte even if one has no interest in the certificate, and none of the courses have prerequisites beyond graduate standing. At this time, these courses are primarily offered on the Blacksburg campus, but often have synchronous online versions, making them accessible to students across the Commonwealth and beyond.
Policy Gateway: Policy and Decision Making in STEM-H Domains
PSCI 5104 (SPIA 5104) (STS 5104)
Key concepts in policy making, including policy analysis and decision making in complex social and technical settings. Policy process theories and evaluation tools. Concepts of governance including public values, ethics, and variable impacts across communities. Relationships among public policy decision processes and science, technology, and engineering, including disciplinary norms. Pre: Graduate standing (3H, 3C)
Decision Making, Reflective Practice, and Engagement in STEM-H Domains
SPIA 5124 (PSCI 5124) (STS 5124)
In-depth, case-based exploration of roles of science, engineering and technology in policy-making. Application of theories, concepts and practices for policy decision-making, including stakeholder engagement, human behavior, and organizational development. Critical examination of ethics, and fostering of reflective practice. Implications of “big data”. Pre: Graduate standing (3H, 3C)
Tools and Approaches for Policy-Making in STEM-H Domains
STAT 5134 (SPIA 5134) (PSCI 5134)
Techniques for translating theory-driven, qualitative concepts into quantitative data-focused modeling. Quantitative and computational tools including statistical inference and hypothesis testing, system dynamics, and economic analysis. Modern data analytic practices, including good collection, storage and visualization techniques. Understanding complexity. Critical examination of challenges and common pitfalls in quantitative modeling. Pre: Graduate standing (3H, 3C)
Science, Technology, and Engineering in Policy Seminar
STS 5154 (SPIA 5154) (PSCI 5154)
Presentation of research on STEM-H, public policy, and ethics. Professional development. Research resources and tools. Project management and funding opportunities. Publishing standards and processes across disciplines. STEM-H and policy practitioner engagement. Multidisciplinary communication. May be repeated up to six times, as seminar and presentation topics will change each semester. Pass/Fail only. Pre: Graduate standing (1H, 1C)
Please reach out to Faika Lore, faikalore@vt.edu, for any questions or comments. To take next steps or to receive updates on program developments, please fill out the form below: