The IHPST offers graduate instruction leading to two degrees, Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PHD). The graduate program’s main goal is to provide advanced training in the fields of history and philosophy of science and technology and in science and technology studies.
The Master of Arts in history and philosophy of science and technology is a one-year program (see details below). Current MA students interested in applying for admission to the Institute’s PhD program apply on par with MA holders from other institutions.
The Doctor of Philosophy in history and philosophy of science and technology comprises of four fields: History of Mathematics, and Physical Sciences; History of Medicine and Life Sciences; History of Technology; and Philosophy of Science. The degree can be completed as a four-year program for students entering with a MA degree; or as a five-year (Direct-Entry) degree for students entering with a Bachelor’s Degree.
Graduate course offerings vary from year to year.
Collaborative Specializations
The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree programs listed below. Interested students should visit the websites to find out about required courses.
• Book History and Print Culture IHPST IHPST
• History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, MA, PHD Master of Arts
• Sexual Diversity Studies IHPST
• History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, MA, PHD Doctor of Philosophy
Roles and Responsibilities
The structure and aims of the graduate programs depend on close collaboration between graduate students and faculty supervisors, both of whom have important responsibilities in ensuring progress towards the completion of the degree.
Responsibilities of Graduate Students
Graduate students have substantial responsibilities for managing their own graduate education. Graduate students are responsible for:
- being proactive in ensuring good communication with their Supervisor and members of Advisory/Supervisory committees;
- alerting the graduate office to any problems that rise in the supervisory relationship;
- meeting timelines and program requirements;
- applying for internal and external awards;
- taking effective advice on academic and other matters;
- complying with the various policies and procedures that govern academic and research conduct.
Responsibilities of Supervisors/Mentors
Faculty Supervisors have responsibilities beyond the academic supervision of research and the development of appropriate professional skills. Supervisors are responsible for providing graduate students support with:
- applications for funding;
- networking opportunities with colleagues in academia and beyond;
- presentations and publications of research; and
- career development.
Graduate Funding
All graduate students receive guaranteed financial support for the duration of the program, which covers tuition, fees and health insurance, and also includes funds for living expenses. MA students are guaranteed funding for the one-year duration of their program, and PhD students for four years, unless they have been admitted to the five-year PhD, in which case they are guaranteed five years of funding. The minimum guaranteed level of funding is presently equal to the full cost of tuition with all incidental and health care fees, plus at least $20,000 for all students. For more information, visit the Graduate Funding in Arts & Science
A condition of this minimum level of funding is that students apply for internal and external awards. Through competitive awards, students can raise their level of funding well beyond this minimum. IHPST also offers the possibility of supplemental income through additional teaching assistantships and course instructorships. Students are also eligible for up to $500 per year in travel funding to present their research at conferences and workshops; and up to $2,000 to carry out research directly related to their dissertation at international destinations.
Professional Development
A central component of the graduate programs involves professional development. The student’s Supervisor provides the primary source of mentorship and guidance in matters of professional development. The Institute provides complementary supports and opportunities for graduate students to develop as researchers, scholars, communicators, and professionals. These include:
Research Assistantships
Through these positions, graduate students assist in faculty research projects and/or Institute initiatives, developing important skills in research, project management, and dissemination. Opportunities for research assistantships are provided by individual faculty members in the case of faculty-specific projects, or through the Institute in the case of unit-based initiatives and projects.
Teaching Opportunities
Overall, the IHPST aims to provide graduate students with meaningful teaching experience that allows them to develop teaching expertise over the course of their degrees. This includes Teaching Assistantships that provide opportunities for a diversity of teaching modes, and Course Instructorships for students who have achieved candidacy. For detailed information on hiring processes for teaching positions, see the IHPST Guidelines on Graduate Teaching Assignments.
IHPST Placement Service
Graduate students benefit from a dedicated placement officer (or officers), ready to provide advice and assistance to graduating PhD candidates searching for postdoctoral positions and permanent jobs. The placement service offers a document editing service (for academic and non-academic jobs), providing a review of application materials for faculty and postdoc positions. In addition, it provides regular information sessions during the Fall and Winter terms dedicated to job applications, interviewing, and networking support for students seeking non- academic careers.
Additional Policies
A number of other IHPST policies provide graduate students with additional opportunities and entitlements. These include the use of IHPST Letterhead for professional purposes, and the possibility of Associate Status upon graduation. Additional policies are available on the IHPST Graduate SharePoint Site.