What is a specialization?

Academic specializations at Michigan State University give you an opportunity to explore and strengthen your understanding of interdisciplinary fields of knowledge. The completion of a specialization is officially noted on your undergraduate transcript. With advisor approval, courses that apply to a specialization may also be used to meet certain major or cognate requirements.

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So, what is STEPPS?

STEPPS is a unique cross-collegiate endeavor bridging the strengths of the James Madison College, Lyman Briggs School of Science and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Drawing on the energies of these three programs, STEPPS will prepare you to integrate knowledge in public policy and natural, technological and environmental science to foster change, become leaders and formulate meaningful and effective policies.

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What classes will you take...

Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy Specialization 19-credit minimum

See page 5 of the James Madison College catalog for specific STEPPS requirements

Core Classes:

  1. One of the following gateway courses:
    Introduction to Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy
    Review of Science: Interdisciplinary Introduction in Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy

  2. One of the following experiential learning courses:
    Study Abroad
    Professional Internship
    Field Experience in James Madison College

  3. The following capstone course:
    Collaborative Studies: Colloquium on Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy

Choose from a list of courses in each of the following areas:


Methodology and Public Evaluation

Principles of Fisheries & Wildlife Management
Philosophy of Technology*
Policy Evaluation

Science, Technology and Society

Introduction to Gender and Environmental Issues
Topics in Science and Technology Studies*
Topics in History of Science*
Science, Technology and Gender
Science, Technology and Society
History of American and European Medicine
Special Topics*
Advanced Special Topics*
Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs*


Public Policy and Policy-Making

Technology and Culture
Science, Technology and Public Policy*
The Natural Environment: Perceptions and Practices
Special Topics*
Regional Politics, Cooperation & Conflict in Asia*
Global Governance
Constitutionalism: The Presidency and Congress
Senior Seminar in International Relations*

Science Applications**

Great Lakes: Biology and Management
Natural History and Conservation in Michigan
Special Topics*
Ecology

*As approved by the STEPPS coordinator
**Must be outside the student’s major college

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Where STEPPS may lead...

STEPPS offers experiential learning opportunities through study abroad to locations such as Costa Rica, the Mediterranean and the Bahamas and internships with agencies such as the Sierra Club, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense and the Environmental Law Institute. You will be well prepared to synthesize information from multiple disciplines and integrate social and ecological sciences in policy formulation and analysis.

This specialization will also prepare you for graduate work in policy sciences, environmental law, science and technology studies, and natural resources management.

STEPPS distinguishes itself by embracing a broad range of topics including science, technology, and the social sciences and places emphasis on the development, analysis and implications of public policy. It also complements the Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment (RISE) program and the environmental sciences major currently available for students in the Lyman Briggs School of Science.

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Contact Us

James Madison College is the unit coordinator for this specialization and can be reached at:
www.jmc.msu.edu
517-353-5260

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