Program Overview
Rensselaer offers a unique program that leads to a B.S. in Science,Technology, and Society and Juris Doctor (J.D.) in six years rather than the usual seven. Students complete the first three years of the program at Rensselaer and the B.S. is conferred following the first year of coursework toward the J.D. Rensselaer has developed relationships with several law programs and has particularly close ties to Albany Law School.
Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is a multidisciplinary social science and humanities degree devoted to critical inquiry about the mutual shaping of science, technology, and society. In the program, students investigate legal and policy issues in areas such as biology and medicine, the environment, information technology, and engineering, while examining how people live, think, and solve problems in different regions of the world.
Students seeking to pursue the Accelerated STS+Law program should apply as an incoming first-year student. Transfer from other Rensselaer curricula to this program is limited to students who have demonstrated academic excellence.
Admission to this program is restricted. For Albany Law School, most students are admitted as incoming first-year students. Selected applicants must meet the admission requirements of Albany Law School of Union University. Thus, a prospective STS-law student may be able to assure admission to law school prior to beginning an undergraduate career at Rensselaer. Transfer from other Rensselaer curricula to this program is limited to students who have demonstrated academic excellence.
After Graduation
An accelerated degree in science, technology, and society prepares students for law school and careers in law as an attorney, entrepreneur, public policy, consulting firms, government agencies, and the non-profit and advocacy sector.
Graduate studies beyond students’ J.D. are also an option.