Enhance
Your background in STEM or pre-health programs. You will gain a unique perspective through your coursework in SMDS.
Science, Medicine, and Society
Look at the world of healthcare differently. Science, medicine, and society at the University St. Thomas is an interdisciplinary minor integrating a wide range of disciplines to prepare you for the future of science and medicine.
Why Study Science, Medicine, and Society at St. Thomas?
What economic dynamics shape medicine and healthcare? What are the limits of random controlled trials in producing effective medical knowledge? By integrating the humanities, social sciences and behavioral science to our unique program, you gain a distinct perspective allowing you to view various issues from multiple angles. Whether you plan to go to medical school or become an engineer, you can tailor the minor to your personal and professional interests.
Well-Rounded and Flexible
Course Requirements
Your foundational courses focus on the history and philosophy of medicine and biomedical ethics, as well as theological perspectives on science, the biomedical revolution and public health. Your electives? You pick from courses in economics, English, geography, psychology, neuroscience and others based on your interests and career goals.
Four-Year Plan
Your four-year plan will vary because we want you to pursue what serves your goals or piques your curiosity. The minor pairs well with a number of programs, so we recommend meeting with the director of SMDS to plan your coursework accordingly.
Degrees Awarded
Minor in Science, Medicine, and Society
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
Your foundational courses focus on the history and philosophy of medicine and biomedical ethics, as well as theological perspectives on science, the biomedical revolution and public health. Your electives? You pick from courses in economics, English, geography, psychology, neuroscience and others based on your interests and career goals.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Your four-year plan will vary because we want you to pursue what serves your goals or piques your curiosity. The minor pairs well with a number of programs, so we recommend meeting with the director of SMDS to plan your coursework accordingly.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
Minor in Science, Medicine, and Society
Faculty Committee
Not only do our faculty have years of experience and knowledge in their respective fields, but they also have research interests ranging from philosophy to medical sociology.
Dr. Peter Distelzweig
Dr. Distelzweig is the director of the SMDS minor and an assistant professor of philosophy. With a PhD in History and Philosophy of Science, he is excited to bring both philosophy and history to the task of thinking critically, creatively and constructively about health care today.
Dr. Amy Finnegan
Dr. Finnegan is an associate professor in justice and peace studies. She is a sociologist and interested in social movements and change, peace and conflict, global health, human rights, medical sociology and more. She also is the co-director of SocMed, a non-profit organization advocating for and implementing global health education in the pursuit of justice.
Dr. Paul Wojda
Dr. Wojda is an associate professor of theology and specializes in Catholic healthcare ethics. He has served as the chair for the St. Paul and Minneapolis Archdiocesan Biomedical Ethics Committee, as a consultant for Catholic Health Initiatives and as a member of the Perinatal Biomedical Ethics Committee at Hennepin County Medical Center. He currently assists the Veritas Institute at St. Thomas in its work helping Catholic healthcare systems assess their missions as Catholic institutions.
Dr. Paul Lorah
Dr. Lorah's research interests primarily focus on the economic value of the wilderness and national parks. He uses geographic information systems technology to model the environmental quality and effectiveness of federal land management policies. He is an active conservationist as well, collaborating with students to write multiple grants resulting in over $200,000 for various conservation projects such as an oak forest restoration project.
Career Paths
We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different industries or pathways after graduation.
- Law
- Medicine
- Public health
- Healthcare policy
- Healthcare administration
- Graduate programs in science
Challenge Yourself. Prepare for the Future.
Healthcare is complex. An SMDS minor prepares you to look at the field from multiple angles, giving you a unique perspective in the evolving landscape of medicine and healthcare.
Stand Out
With a background in a variety of disciplines, you will stand out on medical and graduate school applications.
Tailored
To your interests. SMDS is flexible, meaning you can focus on your interests and goals when planning your courses.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
SMDS teaches you to see beyond science when it comes to healthcare. No matter how you examine the issue, our program will challenge you to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
See Medicine From Multiple Angles
Students in PHIL 241 – History and Philosophy of Science present an interdisciplinary poster paper analyzing an issue in medicine from both philosophical and historical perspectives.
Putting Medicine Into Perspective
SMDS hosts two public roundtable discussions each year in the “Science, Medicine, and Society…In Perspective” series. Past events examined how healthcare became big business, the future of medical robotics and more.
Versatile Knowledge and Skills
You will examine healthcare from literary, historical, economic, geographical, sociological, psychological and theological perspectives.
Surrounded by Passionate Students
We attract talented and ambitious students from a diverse array of majors. Many of our students also integrate study abroad into their college careers as well.
Look at Healthcare Differently
Science, medicine, and society students at St. Thomas are equipped with a unique skill set that prepares them for a successful career in healthcare.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.