The Bachelor of Science in History, Technology, and Society (HTS) is a 122-credit-hour program designed for maximum versatility.
Unlike traditional liberal arts degrees, our curriculum bridges Georgia Tech’s technical core with specialized social science research and extensive elective space.
The Georgia Tech Core (36 Hours)
Every HTS student begins with the Institute’s foundational curriculum, ensuring literacy in the "language of Tech." This core includes laboratory sciences, mathematics, and computing (CS 1301 or 1315). You will also complete 12 hours of Humanities, including ENGL 1101/1102 and six credits in a single foreign language, equipping you with the communication skills necessary to bridge technical and humanistic disciplines.
HTS Major Core (32 Hours)
Students acquire a deep grounding in historical and sociological inquiry through a 32-hour sequence.
- Social and Global Foundations: Students begin with SOC 1101 and either HIST 2111 or 2112 to establish a framework for understanding social structures and American history. This is deepened by the Non-US Requirement, where students choose two courses from a specialized menu to explore global cultures and international perspectives.
- The Nexus of Science and Society: Reflecting our mission to analyze technological change, students complete two courses focused on Science, Technology, or Medicine. These courses examine how scientific breakthroughs and medical practices are shaped by—and in turn shape—the human experience.
- Economic Context: Understanding the material forces of society is critical; students choose an Economics elective (ECON 2100, 2101, 2105, or 2106) to round out their social science foundation.
- Advanced Research Methods: Mastery of the field is demonstrated through HTS 2101 (Historical and Sociological Methods) and two 4000-level Research Seminars. In these eight-credit-hour intensive capstones, students conduct original research, synthesize complex data, and produce a senior thesis under the guidance of faculty experts.
Note: All major core classes must be taken for a letter grade with a minimum grade of C.
Customizable Electives (42 Hours)
With 24 hours of HTS electives and 18 hours of free electives, the HTS degree is one of the most flexible at the Institute. This flexibility allows for the following:
Areas of Specialization
HTS majors select 9 hours (three classes) in one of six specialized sub-fields. These tracks allow you to tailor your degree to your specific interests:
- U.S. Society and Culture
- Global Studies
- Science, Technology, and Medicine
- Communities, Environment, and Sustainability
- Power, Inequality, and Social Justice
- Custom Specialization
The Non-Major Cluster
A unique 12-hour requirement where students complete a sequence of courses in a single field outside of HSOC — such as computer science, biology, or management. These hours can often be applied toward an interdisciplinary minor or certificate.
Explore undergraduate course descriptions in the Georgia Tech Catalog.
A Major Built for Flexibility
Double Majoring
Because the HTS curriculum includes 30+ hours of elective space, it is the ideal "second major" for students in other fields at Georgia Tech. In most cases, your major's technical requirements can populate the HTS elective slots, allowing you to earn two distinct degrees without significantly extending undergraduate studies.
Transferring into HTS
Whether you are moving from another institution or changing your major within Georgia Tech, the transition to becoming an HTS major is seamless.
- Internal Transfers: Most students can switch to HTS as late as their junior year without losing academic credit.
- External Transfers: Students joining us from other universities can typically complete their HTS degree within three years.
B.S./M.S. Option
The B.S./M.S. in the School of History and Sociology allows undergraduate students in the HTS major to complete a Master’s in the History and Sociology of Technology and Science in just one extra year.
Academic Advising and Registration
Success in the HTS program starts with a personalized study plan. Our advising team is here to help you navigate degree checklists, plan for study abroad, and integrate internships. View the academic calendar on the Registrar website for important dates and deadlines.
Advising Appointments
Current HTS majors, minors, and certificate earners can meet with Sonya Boadu to verify requirements. Appointments can be made via Navigate360.
Registration and Applying for Graduation
HTS majors are strongly encouraged to schedule an advising appointment before registering for courses or applying for graduation. We recommend scheduling advising in March/April for Summer/Fall semesters and in October/November for the Spring semester.