History and Philosophy of Science and Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the dynamic interplay between scientific discovery, technological advancement, and philosophical thought through a rigorous academic lens. This program investigates how scientific knowledge has evolved over time, shaped by cultural, economic, and intellectual forces, while critically examining the foundational principles that guide scientific inquiry.
- Philosophy of Science: Examine core questions about the nature, methods, and validity of scientific knowledge, including epistemology, theory formation, and the criteria for scientific explanation.
- Historiography of Science: Learn the methodologies and interpretive frameworks used to study the history of scientific thought, including source analysis, narrative construction, and critical evaluation of historical accounts.
- History of Science and Technology: Trace the development of scientific theories, technological innovations, and engineering practices across civilizations and time periods, from ancient to modern eras.
- History of Medicine and Health Sciences: Investigate the evolution of medical knowledge, practices, and institutions, including the impact of scientific advancements on public health and biomedical ethics.
- Research Methods in Scientific History: Develop advanced skills in archival research, data interpretation, and interdisciplinary analysis to conduct original scholarship in the history of science and engineering disciplines.
- Mathematics in Historical Context: Study the role of mathematical thought and development within broader scientific and technological progress, emphasizing its conceptual and practical contributions.
History and Philosophy of Science and Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
History and Philosophy of Science and Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with History and Philosophy of Science and Technology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Managers, All Other and History Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 754,850 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1125 | $81,500 | $47,730 - $158,140 | 19,860 | N/A |
| Historians 19-3093 | $74,050 | $38,630 - $128,500 | 3,140 | $35.60 |
History and Philosophy of Science and Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,767 in Utah to $170,310 in Delaware—a 125% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Massachusetts, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 754,850 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for History and Philosophy of Science and Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 20 institutions offering History and Philosophy of Science and Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology is found at Harvard University (84 graduates), Grand Valley State University (GVSU) (27 graduates), Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Main Campus (18 graduates), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (18 graduates), and University of Pennsylvania (Penn) (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 230 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
84 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Other Award
|
27 | Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
18 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gatech.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
18 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| Princeton University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Princeton, New Jersey | Private | princeton.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
|
3 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
2 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Other Award
|
1 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about History and Philosophy of Science and Technology programs
How much can I earn with a History and Philosophy of Science and Technology degree?
Salaries for History and Philosophy of Science and Technology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Managers, All Other earn around $136,550. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $170,310 compared to $75,767 in Utah. Approximately 754,850 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest History and Philosophy of Science and Technology programs?
Currently 20 accredited institutions offer History and Philosophy of Science and Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Harvard University (84 graduates), Grand Valley State University (GVSU) (27 graduates), and Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Main Campus (18 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 181 in 2010 to 230 in 2023-24. This represents a 27% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a History and Philosophy of Science and Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Managers, All Other, and History Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 754,850 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related History Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the History field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
European History
A program that focuses on the development of European society, culture, and institutions from the origins to the present. Includes instruction in European...
Public History
A program that focuses on the application of history and administrative skills to the recording of public events and the management of related...
Military History
A program that focuses on the study of the history of warfare and military institutions in their operational, politico-economic and socio-cultural contexts; including...
History
Any instructional program in history not listed above.
History
A program that focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and...
American History (United States)
A program that focuses on the development of American society, culture, and institutions from the Pre-Columbian period to the present. Includes instruction in...