STS Senior Capstones (Fall 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 ( Kathleen McCormick) 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 ( Karin Huijgens).

Senior Seminars

STS 400W - Senior Seminar - Internet & Society
Dr. Caroline Mason | ONLINE | 3 credits | CRN: 95287
This writing-intensive seminar applies Science and Technology Studies (STS) frameworks to examine the Internet as a socio-technical system. The course explores how digital networks and platforms are shaped by social, political, and economic forces and, in turn, shape society and culture. Students are introduced to major concepts and debates concerning the social implications of digital technologies, including algorithmic governance, surveillance capitalism, the digital divide, and artificial intelligence. The course culminates in an original interdisciplinary research paper in which students apply course concepts to critically examine a contemporary social issue related to digital technology.

STS 400W - Senior Seminar - Human Services 
Prof. Karin Huijgens | On Campus | Mon/Wed 1:40pm - 2:55pm | 3 credits | WAL: CRN 91130
Prof. Karin Huijgens | Online | 3 credits | WAJ: 91499
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 - Academic Research & Report Writing (two sections offered)
Prof. Michael Passero | On Campus | 3 credits | W01: CRN 95224
Prof. Michael Passero | ONLINE | 3 credits | JAW: CRN 93868
This capstone seminar serves as a culminating experience for the Science, Technology, and Society program. Students will develop and apply interdisciplinary 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. Francesca Polo | ONLINE | 3 credits | ALW: CRN 91143
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 ( Karin Huijgens).