History of Science, Medicine and Technology, M.A.
Program Overview
The History of Science, Medicine, and Technology program at UW–Madison explores the historical aspects of these fields, examining their development, contexts, and relationships with culture. The program offers a Master of Arts degree with distribution areas in science, medicine, and race/gender/class/religion, as well as a History of Medicine pathway for students with doctoral training in health professions. Graduates pursue careers in academia, research, museums, government, and the private sector.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
History of Science, Medicine, and Technology (HSMT) at UW–Madison is a prestigious graduate program that explores the historical aspects of science, medicine, and technology. It examines their internal development, broader institutional, philosophical, and literary contexts, and their relationships with print culture, visual culture, and material culture. The program provides a strong foundation for students pursuing careers in academia, research, or related fields.
Outline:
in History of Science, Medicine, and Technology
Distribution Area Courses:
Science: Ancient through the Enlightenment
- HIST SCI/MEDIEVAL 322: Ancient and Medieval Science (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/HISTORY 323: The Scientific Revolution: From Copernicus to Newton (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/HISTORY 324: Science in the Enlightenment (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/HISTORY/MED 507: Health, Disease and Healing I (3-4 credits)
- HIST SCI 903: Seminar: Medieval, Renaissance, and 17th Century Science (3 credits)
- HIST SCI 911: Seminar-Eighteenth Century Science (3 credits)
Modern Science and Technology
- HIST SCI/MED HIST 333: History of Modern Biology (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/HISTORY/MED HIST 394: Science in America (3 credits)
- HIST SCI 907: Seminar: History of Technology (3 credits)
- HIST SCI 909: History of Biology and Medicine (3 credits)
Medicine and Public Health
- HIST SCI 404: A History of Disease (3-4 credits)
- HIST SCI/HISTORY/MED HIST 508: Health, Disease and Healing II (3-4 credits)
- HIST SCI/MED HIST 509: The Development of Public Health in America (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/MED HIST/POP HLTH 553: International Health and Global Society (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/HISTORY/MED HIST 564: Disease, Medicine and Public Health in the History of Latin America and the Caribbean (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/MED HIST 919: Graduate Studies in Medical History (3 credits)
Race, Gender, Class, and Religion in Science, Medicine, and Technology
- HIST SCI/MED HIST/RELIG ST 331: Science, Medicine and Religion (3 credits)
- HIST SCI 343: The Darwinian Revolution (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/AFROAMER/MED HIST 523: Race, American Medicine and Public Health (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/GEN&WS/MED HIST 531: Women and Health in American History (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/GEN&WS/MED HIST 532: The History of the (American) Body (3 credits)
- HIST SCI 615 (3 credits)
History of Medicine Pathway (for students with doctoral training in a health profession)
Required Courses:
- HIST SCI 720: Proseminar: Historiography and Methods (3 credits)
- HIST SCI/HISTORY/MED HIST 507: Health, Disease and Healing I (3-4 credits)
- HIST SCI/HISTORY/MED HIST 508: Health, Disease and Healing II (3-4 credits)
- HIST SCI/MED HIST 509: The Development of Public Health in America (3 credits)
- STS 901: Science, Technology and Medicine in Society (3 credits)
- Additional History of Medicine course (3 credits)
- All Medical History Courses
- Additional History of Science course (300-600 level or above) (3 credits)
- All History of Science Courses
- Electives (9 credits)
Assessment:
) To receive the master's degree, students must pass the Second-Year Review (SYR). A passing review requires that students:
- Complete an article-length research paper
- Fulfill one language requirement
- Clear all incompletes
- Fulfill any additional requirements for their specific field of study
- Submit a list of prelim fields along with a timeline for completing prelims
- Receive a positive endorsement from the three faculty members on the review committee.
Teaching:
The program emphasizes faculty mentorship and collaboration. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members who are experts in their fields. The program also offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including workshops on grant writing, teaching, and public speaking.
Careers:
Graduates of the program have pursued careers in academia, research, museums, government, and the private sector. Some of the specific career paths that graduates have pursued include:
- College professors
- Research scientists
- Museum curators
- Government policymakers
- Science writers
- Medical historians
- Healthcare administrators
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Overview:
University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research enterprise, and vibrant campus life. The university is guided by the Wisconsin Idea, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of using knowledge to improve the lives of people beyond the campus.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing centers, and career services.Student Life:
Student organizations, recreational facilities, cultural events, and health services.Technology:
Access to computer labs, online resources, and software.Housing:
On-campus residence halls and off-campus housing options.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at UW–Madison can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a lively social scene. The city of Madison offers a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
UW–Madison is home to a wide range of academic programs, including highly ranked programs in engineering, business, medicine, and the humanities.Research Opportunities:
The university is a leading research institution, offering students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research projects.Wisconsin Idea:
The university's commitment to public service provides students with opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.Vibrant Campus Life:
UW–Madison offers a lively and engaging campus experience with a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a variety of cultural events.Location:
Madison is a beautiful and vibrant city with a strong sense of community.Academic Programs:
UW–Madison offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Engineering:
The College of Engineering is highly ranked and offers programs in areas such as computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.Business:
The Wisconsin School of Business is known for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.Medicine:
The School of Medicine and Public Health is a leading institution in medical research and education.Humanities:
The university offers a wide range of programs in the humanities, including English, history, philosophy, and art history.Other:
Athletics:
UW–Madison is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletic tradition.Alumni Network:
The university has a large and active alumni network, providing students with valuable connections after graduation.Sustainability:
UW–Madison is committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.Language Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency.
