Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

A degree in History, Technology, and Society (HTS) requires broad-based training in humanities, mathematics, computing, science, and social sciences, giving our majors a truly rigorous and broad education. The program’s focus on global issues related to the origin and impact of technology and science is also distinctive, providing students with the critical tools needed to understand the development of the modern world.

The HTS Major

The School of History and Sociology (HSOC) brings the perspective of the social sciences to bear on critical issues facing the modern world, while providing a source of analysis that emphasizes both change over time and cultural comparisons on an international scale.  It offers students ample space in the curriculum to pursue other interests, including study abroad experiences, internships, and undergraduate research.

Bachelor's of Science in History, Technology, and Society (HTS)

The HTS major requires training in humanities, STEM fields, and social sciences, giving our students an interdisciplinary and rigorous education.  The focus on global issues related to technology and science is distinctive, providing students with the tools needed to understand the modern world.

More information on the HTS major for current and prospective students.

Minors in the School of History and Sociology

Blurb / Gallery Set

The study of history provides a context for understanding the world and develops analytical abilities, communications skills, and the critical thinking that is the bedrock of active citizenship. It is also good preparation for a broad array of careers.

The study of sociology develops analytical abilities, communication skills, and critical tools for understanding the social organization of the contemporary world. Sociology is good preparation for a broad array of careers, including business, education, public administration, and social work.

Humanities and social science perspectives on health and medicine equip students to address topics such as the ethics of biomedical research and the nature of medical discovery.  Understanding such issues is essential to developing informed, ethical leaders in health care.

The STS minor provides understanding of how science and technology fit within our world. It helps students understand how science and technology develop, how they are understood in culture, and how they are shaped by various social and historical contexts.

The SJ minor helps students incorporate an awareness of social issues into their fields of study. Humanities and social science classes included in the minor address issues of equity and inclusiveness in relation to historical, cultural, social, and political factors.

The SST minor draws upon the field of sports studies for students interested in the critical, holistic study of sport. Examples of topics covered include: the economic impact of sports; the relationships between technology and sports; and global sports infrastructure.

The WST program links science and technology issues to those traditionally associated with women's studies.  The minor helps students develop their understanding of the human side of science and technology and their relationship to inequality by gender, race, and class.

Learn more about the available options for minors and certificates in the school and see how your major could pair with a minor in HSOC for an enhanced undergraduate experience and interesting career options.

Quick Links

Blurb / Gallery Set

Internships give students a chance to put their skills to work now and to prepare for careers after graduation. They are an excellent opportunity for students to have a “hands-on” experience in the context of their history and sociology education. Students who participate in internships gain insight into their choice of careers as well as how skills learned in the School of History and Sociology directly translate into the world of work. Recent interns have worked in many organizations, including the National Tax Payers Union; Mayor’s Office; the High Museum; Georgia PIRG; the Children’s School; the Atlanta History Center; the Latin American Association; Governor Sonny Purdue’s office; and the offices of several members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Georgia Tech has a vast array of study abroad programs, and the School of History and Sociology (HSOC) encourages its students to participate in them. For many students, spending time abroad is a life-altering experience and a path to a more rewarding career. HSOC faculty and students are closely involved in major programs in Metz, France, and Oxford, England, as well as other programs in Australia, China, New Zealand, Spain, and elsewhere. HSOC also participates in the International Plan, which is an innovative program that allows Georgia Tech students to receive a specially-designated degree in recognition of their having completed a significant portion of their education abroad.

Research opportunities are one of the greatest strengths of the B.S. HTS program. All HTS majors are involved in research projects as part of their required research methods class and research seminars.  In addition, students in the School of History and Sociology (HSOC) undertake independent research projects for either credit or pay.  These projects are individually supervised by faculty members or appropriate people in the community.  Many HTS students have been awarded the President’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA). HSOC also participates in the Research Option plan.  The Research Option offers students the opportunity for a substantial, in-depth research experience.  It offers students a taste of what long-term research can be like and provides an extensive experience not found within a typical course setting.

HTS majors are engaged in the classroom and on campus, participating in a wide variety of activities and scholarly pursuits. Students in the School of History and Sociology can be found in the Student Government Association, in leadership positions within the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts and a variety of campus organizations, in community engagement and activism, and in athletics. The flexibility of the HTS degree allows students to pursue multiple interests and develop multiple talents, all while remaining strongly grounded in the study of history and sociology. Our students intern, travel the globe, and conduct focused research in their areas of interest. To read more about a few of our students, just follow the link above.

''

Careers and Professional Schools

Managers and owners of businesses analyze and report on economic, social, political, and technical change in much the same way History, Technology, and Society (HTS) Students do.  HTS majors are trained to be good researchers, writers, and speakers.  It is no surprise, therefore, that HTS students have gone on to careers in a wide variety of fields, including:

  • Administration
  • Advertising
  • Management
  • Business
  • Consulting
  • Criminal Justice
  • Health Professions
  • Historic Preservation
  • Human Resources
  • Intelligence Services
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Libraries & Archives
  • Marketing
  • Museums
  • Non-profits
  • Public Relations
  • Publishing
  • Social Services
  • Teaching

To learn more about the variety of careers available to HTS majors, how the HTS major will prepare you for the workforce, and how to hone your expertise with specific clusters of classes, visit the Careers section of the website.

Read more about the Pathway to the Professions.

Meet the Undergraduate Director

''

Jennifer Singh is the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the School of History and Sociology.