History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
The major in the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine bridges STEM and the humanities, preparing graduates to apply historical insights to today’s challenges. This 33-hour degree program offers a course of specialized study in the growing field of HSTM, taught by Purdue’s many faculty in HSTM. The program explores how science, technology, and medicine have evolved across history and cultures. Students will gain valuable skills in research and communication while examining contemporary issues like AI, genomics, and public health.
Major in the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine — plan of study
Minor in the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine — plan of study
Minimum requirements for the major:
HSTM students take 12 credits (four courses) in HSTM, at any level. They take 3 credits (one course) that covers a period before 1800. And they take one more 3-credit history course of any sort, at any level.
Students also take two research seminars, History 395 and History 495. These courses are organized around a variety of compelling topics that change from semester to semester; some of them will have an HSTM focus, or allow students to pursue HSTM research. These seminars are small — limited in enrollment to 15 — and teach students to identify, locate, and distinguish between primary and secondary sources. Students also learn to analyze arguments and interpretations and to recognize interpretive conflicts. History 395 is a gateway course introducing students to historical inquiry, research, and analysis. History 495 is an advanced seminar in which students make history by researching and writing a work of original scholarship. History 495 allows students to work through the process of gathering, interpreting, and organizing historical evidence under the direction of an expert in the field. As you learn to work with primary and secondary sources, you come to understand the complex and contested character not only of history but of the historical record. As you craft historical narrative and analysis, you also learn how to develop an argument based on evidence and to present it in writing, in verbal communication, or in other media.
Students then take at least 9 additional hours (three courses) at the 400 or 500 level, in the history of science, technology, and medicine.
See the Major Plan of Study above for a full discussion of the requirements, and a sample four-year plan.
Minor in the History of STM:
The history of science, technology, and medicine minor is a 15-hour program that allows students from across campus to explore the growing field of HSTM. Students take five courses at the 200-500 level — four courses in HSTM, and one additional history course. Any undergraduate student may adopt the HSTM minor. See the Minor Plan of Study above for more information.
O.T. Ford is the Academic Program Manager for history. Nina Haberer is the Academic Advisor for history majors. Please contact us with any questions about the HSTM major and minor.