Technology touches every aspect of modern society, and every possible career you may have. Because of this, interdisciplinary majors which include elements of this technology are becoming increasingly popular. We’ve looked at a number of these programs before, and today we’ll be examining another.
In this article, we’re going to look at what Georgetown’s Science, Technology, and International Affairs (STIA) major is, what its benefits are, and whether it’s right for you. We’ll also cover how to apply to it, and other concerns you might have about taking part. Let’s get started!
What is the STIA Major?
Under the umbrella of the School of Foreign Service (SFS), the STIA major is offered as part of the STIA program. This program was begun in 1982, with the goal of researching how developing technology and associated concerns impacted the global community. This has continued, with the program doing significant amounts of research on the global and political implications of many science and technology related topics.
This program as a whole offers PhD and Master’s degrees, but undergraduate students are invited to take the same courses and ask the same big questions. In general, this major has two key planks:
- First, students gain a strong foundation in international affairs through the core coursework of the SFS.
- Next, students gain a strong technical background in the sciences, both in terms of how specific issues impact international affairs, and a focus on being able to communicate on these specific issues clearly.
In addition to this, students may choose an area in which to specialize within the program. There are four possible concentrations to choose from:
- Energy and Environment
- Business, Growth, and Development
- Biotechnology and Global Health
- Science, Technology, and Security
Regardless of your area of concentration, you are expected to develop expertise in at least one field of science. Research is another core component of the major; while you are not required to join a research lab, many students work with professors on ongoing research projects. This research is also frequently interdisciplinary, with students able to pursue research in both the hard sciences and social sciences, and in studies at the intersection of the two.
Finally, science communication is an integral part of the major. STIA doesn’t just want to grant you expertise in a scientific field, but to be able to share that expertise, and to be able to explain how that field relates to ongoing global issues. To that end, all students must either participate in a senior seminar, or complete an honors senior thesis. These are both meant to give you experience in sharing your ideas, and clearly communicating the concepts you have mastered.
STIA for Pre-Meds and Engineering
STIA is not the most popular major for pre meds, but is quite good for students who are interested in public health on a global scale. Their science foundation overlaps with many pre med requirements, though it will be some effort to get all of those done along with your major requirements. The focus on research also aligns well with what premeds need to focus on.
STIA is not an engineering major, but as a minor it can pair well with students who are majoring in engineering. If you are interested in global infrastructure or the impacts of global issues and using engineering to solve them, then this course of study can give you much-needed perspective. Note that this is done through Georgetown’s 3-2 engineering partnership program with Columbia’s School of Engineering.
How to Join the STIA Major
Unlike some specialty programs, there is no separate requirement or application to join the STIA major. You do need to be in the School of Foreign Service to take the major, but students in other schools at Georgetown may apply to the STIA minor. This requires getting permission from the dean of your home college. You must also fulfill the course prerequisites in order to take on the minor.
In general, this means the hardest part of taking the STIA minor is in applying to Georgetown itself. This is difficult in its own right; Georgetown is a very good school, and has a somewhat low acceptance rate. You only need to contend with the standard application however.
We will note that Georgetown is one of the few schools which does not use the Common App for admissions. You must apply through their own portal; while this is generally quite similar to the Common App (asking for biographical information, about your activities, and for essays), it is an extra step in the process, and something you need to be aware of.
Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service does ask for the following essay (as each college within Georgetown has their own unique essay prompt):
- Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders with the foundational skills to address global issues. Describe your primary motivations for studying international affairs at Georgetown University and dedicating your undergraduate studies towards a future in global service. (Approximately one page, single-spaced)
For this essay specifically, you should speak to your intended major if you plan on taking part in STIA, and describing what motivated your interests. Being able to discuss your past experiences with the intersection of technology and foreign affairs or public policy is a great way to demonstrate that you have seriously considered your options, and that this program is the best fit for your goals.
For more advice on applying to Georgetown and answering their essay prompts, see our guide here.
Accelerated Master’s Program
Students who are currently majoring in STIA may apply to an accelerated master’s program in the field. This may only be done by current Georgetown students, but allows you to complete your undergrad and a masters degree in only five years, which is quite good for some specialties.
Is the STIA Major Right for You?
This depends entirely on your goals, both in college and beyond. Georgetown, as a school, offers a lot of benefits to all of its students, primarily the excellence of its curriculum and its proximity to the halls of power in DC. It is well known as a feeder school for governmental employees, both politicians and the core of civil servants who keep the cogs of government running smoothly. This is true for all majors, but certain paths of study lean into this more than others.
STIA is directly positioned to help students who are interested in the intersection of global issues and scientific and technological advancement explore that nexus. While they are able to prepare students for a wide range of careers, those looking for civil service in these areas are the ones who will benefit the most.
Of course, there is a wide amount of ground covered by the intersection of technology and global issues. From the agencies of the UN which deal directly with science like the World Health Organization, to purely American institutions that deal with issues of global import, such as NOAA’s study of climate change. These are just two examples; there are increasing ways technology matters and impacts the lives of people around the world.
Other interests can also benefit from this major, from medicine to business. The broad scope of this program of study means that you can find many possible applications. It is not ideal for all students of course, but a focus on both science and foreign relations prepares you for many careers in our globalized and technology driven society.
Final Thoughts
Many colleges have specialized majors and programs, meant to help students explore the intersections between disparate fields. We live in an interconnected world, so these programs are often an excellent way to get a leg up in preparing for a career. We hope that this article served to introduce you to one such program in Georgetown’s STIA major, and gave you the information you needed to determine if it’s right for you.
There are far more college majors and programs than any student can reasonably be expected to research, especially with all of the other demands on their time in senior year. This is where Ivy Scholars comes in. We have an in-depth knowledge of colleges and programs, and can help you find and research ones which best suit your needs and interests, regardless of what those may be. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help you; we have a long experience with every aspect of college admissions, and are always happy to hear from you.
