PhD in Science and Technology Studies

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), established in 1824 in Troy, New York, is a research-intensive university with a deep focus on science, engineering and technology innovation. With about 7,500 students, including a significant international cohort, RPI emphasizes interdisciplinary study, hands-on research and entrepreneurship. The institute’s long history in technological education is matched by modern facilities and centers that encourage students to turn ideas into tangible projects and startups.

RPI’s academic strengths span engineering, computer science, architecture, cognitive science and applied sciences across undergraduate and graduate programs. The curriculum integrates lab work, project-based courses and research opportunities with faculty who lead funded projects and industry collaborations. Students benefit from maker spaces, advanced laboratories and incubators that support capstone projects, patents and launch-ready ventures. Cooperative education, internships and industry partnerships create direct pathways from study to employment.

Campus life at RPI blends a close-knit academic community with access to regional industry in the Albany-Troy corridor. International students find comprehensive support services, orientation programs and professional advising to navigate study, work authorization and career placement. Graduates are sought after for technical roles, research positions and entrepreneurial careers, reflecting RPI’s focus on practical problem solving, innovation and real-world impact.

The PhD in Science and Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is for students who want to understand how science and technology shape our world. This 4-6 year PhD program helps students develop a deep understanding of science and technology and how they impact society.

The curriculum includes core seminars, theory and methods, and topics courses that cover critical analytical skills and fields. Students also develop skills in research, writing, and teaching, and have the opportunity to work as Teaching Assistants during their coursework. The program also includes a Graduate Portfolio Review and a Dissertation Proposal and Literature Review.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Research Scientists, Science Policy Analysts, Technology Consultants, and University Professors. They can work in industries such as academia, government, and private research institutions, and can be employed by organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and major universities.