STEP at Virginia Tech

The STEP program offers a graduate certificate. For more information and to register please visit www.step.vt.edu. Registered students are expected to enroll in the following courses:

Policy Gateway: Policy and Decision Making in STEM-H Domains PSCI 5104 (SPIA 5104) (STS 5104)

Tools and Approaches for Policy-Making in STEM-H Domains STAT 5134 (SPIA 5134) (PSCI 5134) Techniques for translating theory-driven, qualitative concepts into quantitative data-focused modeling. Quantitative and computational tools including statistical inference and hypothesis testing, system dynamics, and economic analysis. Modern data analytic practices, including good collection, storage and visualization techniques. Understanding complexity. Critical examination of challenges and common Science, Technology, and Engineering in Policy Seminar STS 5154 (SPIA 5154) (PSCI 5154) Presentation of research on STEM-H, public policy, and ethics. Professional development. Research resources and tools. Project management and funding opportunities. Publishing standards and processes across disciplines. STEM-H and policy practitioner engagement. Multidisciplinary communication. May be repeated up to six times, as seminar and presentation topics will change each semester. Pass/Fail only. Pre: Graduate standing (1H, 1C) Optional but recommended: Communicating Science GRAD 5114 Practice-based pedagogy techniques for effective communication about scientific, technical, and health research. Application of communication techniques across public and professional audiences and a variety of oral and written communication contexts. Pre: Graduate standing (2H, 2C) pitfalls in quantitative modeling. Pre: Graduate standing (3H, 3C)

Key concepts in policy making, including policy analysis and decision making in complex social and technical settings. Policy process theories and evaluation tools. Concepts of governance including public values, ethics, and variable impacts across communities. Relationships among public policy decision processes and science, technology, and engineering, including disciplinary norms. Pre: Graduate standing (3H, 3C) Decision Making, Reflective Practice, and Engagement in STEM-H Domains SPIA 5124 (PSCI 5124) (STS 5124) In-depth, case-based exploration of roles of science, engineering and technology in policy-making. Application of theories, concepts and practices for policy decision-making, including stakeholder engagement, human behavior, and organizational development. Critical examination of ethics, and fostering of reflective practice. Implications of “big data”. Pre: Graduate standing (3H, 3C)