Opportunities and Obstacles for an Embedded STS Program in Engineering

The “Embedded STS Program” is a model for teaching the ethics of engineering and technology via instructors from a Science and Technology Studies (STS) program housed directly within an Engineering department. Our institution, the University of Waterloo, has an embedded STS-like program under another name, the Centre for Society, Technology, and Values (CSTV). In this paper, we share the results of a qualitative survey completed by 43 students recruited from seven of the CSTV courses offered in 2022. These results provide context as to obstacles and opportunities in the embedded program related to curricular, institutional, and cultural dimensions. We conclude there is a need for resources and leadership to manage the curricular and cultural obstacles that hinder (1) students in applying knowledge on ethics and social impacts across educational and professional contexts and (2) institutions in drawing upon STS expertise for teaching engineering and technology ethics.