STS Senior Capstones (Spring 2026)

As a graduation requirement, all STS students must complete a senior capstone course during their final year. All capstones satisfy the Applied Learning and Writing Intensive College graduation requirements. Students can either take STS 400W - Senior Seminar or STS 401W - Internship. Students who wish to register for either capstone must have completed at least 90 credits. Students cannot register for the capstone on their own. If interested in registering for STS 400W - Senior Seminar, please contact Kathy and she can help you register for the course. If interested in registering for STS 401W - Internship, please contact STS Internship Coordinator, Prof Karin Huijgens.

Senior Seminars

STS 400W - Senior Seminar - Human Services
Prof. Karin Huijgens | On Campus | Mon/Wed 1:40pm - 2:55pm | 3 credits | CRN: 21387 
In this capstone course students will integrate STS skills and knowledge learned, and apply this to the field of human services. The course will address the current multidisciplinary problems facing this field. Topics will include homelessness, food insecurity, structure of social service programs and insurances, mental health, and legal issues including immigration. Students will evaluate the application of personal ethics, setting of boundaries, and dealing with stress for providers of human services. In addition, the course will assist students in preparing for their career after graduation. This will include resume writing and interview skills. 

STS 400W - Senior Seminar - Qualitative Methods in STS Research (two sections) 
Prof. Francesca Polo | On Campus | Tue/Thu 1:40pm - 2:55pm | 3 credits | CRN: 25968
Prof. Francesca Polo | On Campus | Tue/Thu 3:05pm - 4:20pm | 3 credits | CRN: 21655
Qualitative Research in STS offers undergraduate students a hands-on introduction to the foundational concepts and techniques of qualitative research, focusing on the intersection of Science, Technology, and Society. Students will learn how to design and conduct qualitative studies using methods like semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Through active participation, they’ll create interview questions, conduct mock focus groups, and analyze real data. The course emphasizes ethical research practices, including informed consent and confidentiality. Students will also gain practical skills in data collection, thematic analysis, and coding. By the end of the course, students will complete a final research project exploring an STS-related issue using qualitative methods. No prior research experience is required, and this course is open to Senior Status students in the STS department. Whether you're planning a career in research or simply curious about qualitative methods, this course bridges theory with practice and provides valuable skills for both academic and professional settings.

STS 400W - Senior Seminar - Interdisciplinary Research: Science, Technology & Society (two sections)
Prof. Michael Passero | On Campus | Mon/Wed | 10:50am - 12:05pm | 3 credits | CRN: 26134
Prof. Michael Passero | ONLINE | 3 credits | CRN: 21928
This capstone seminar serves as a culminating experience for the Science, Technology, and Society program. Students will develop and apply interdsiciplinary research skills necessary for analyzing complex sociotechnical issues. Students will integrate insights from multiple disciplines, evaluate diverse source types, and communicate findings to varied audiences. Building on prior coursework in scientific thinking and restricted technical elective classes, students will apply systematic research methods to real-world technology and society topics culminating in a comprehensive research paper demonstrating sophisticated interdisciplinary analysis. This course prepares students for careers requiring effective collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, evidence-based decision-making, and public engagement with science and technology issues.

Internship

STS 401W - Internship 
Prof. Karin Huijgens | ONLINE | 3 credits | CRN: 21403
This course is designed for Science, Technology and Society (STS) majors who wish to complete a semester-long (or equivalent) internship as part of their course of study. Students may choose an internship at a corporation or a civic, educational, governmental, or not-for- profit organization after consultation with and permission of the department chair. Any internship should support learning outcomes and/or career development in the sciences, technology, and/or society. Enrollment in this course is restricted to students with senior status in the STS Program. Students enrolled in an internship will meet periodically with their advisor and will be required to submit internship notes and both a draft and final report of the internship experience at the end of the semester. This is a writing-intensive course. Prerequisite(s): Senior status in STS program and approval of Department Chair

Students who wish to pursue an internship must contact the STS Internship Coordinator, Prof Karin Huijgens