Graduate Certificate Program

Science, Technology and Engineering in Policy (STEP)

The STEP program offers a 12-credit graduate certificate and four core graduate-level courses primarily targeted towards STEM-H students but open to all.   The program also encompasses opportunities for the wider campus community (and beyond) through our annual spring seminar series, keynote lecture, and other activities. 

In order to be effective participants in policy processes, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and healthcare (STEM-H) experts need to have an understanding of how policy is made, implemented, and evaluated. The STEP program introduces students, expert (or soon-to-be) in their scientific field, to fundamental principles of policy in practice, in all of their complexity, including tools for understanding policy processes.  The program is organized around five key concepts:  Policymaking process, values and ethics, collaborative engagement, communication, and integrating scientific and technical information into policy.  

STEP is a core initiative of the +Policy Network and is administered by the Graduate School and STEP Director, Todd Schenk (tschenk@vt.edu).

STEP is required curriculum for an NSF-sponsored National Research Traineeship in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance!

Fellowship Opportunities

A fellowship with an agency or organization is a fantastic way to further enhance your understanding and hone your skills in engaging at the science-policy interface. It can also be an invaluable steppingstone into new career opportunities. STEP students and alumni have been very successful with multiple programs at the state and federal levels. Find more information on fellowship opportunities below.

• Virginia Sea Grant Graduate Fellowships
• Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES)