The hard work and self-discipline required of those who choose to build skills in science and technology, along with the social sciences, language, and geographic area skills, is worth the effort. Many of the world's pressing issues are scientific and/or technological in both origins and solutions, and those who seek to enter the great debates over the global environment, arms control, resource management, digital governance or other arenas must prepare themselves with commensurate skills or be ignored. IDS/IS majors have already created solid programs in arms control (training in physics), land use management in South America (geographic information systems and remote sensing), and water resource management in China (hydrology).
The hallmark of the most successful IDS/IS students is the ability to address a large yet coherent international problem. The science and technology track offers a great way to craft an undergraduate education that is unique, demanding, and strongly linked to a potential career. Success in addressing global problems demands great familiarity with the science and engineering that is often both the source and the remedy for those problems. An IDS/international studies education with a strong science and/or engineering component is appropriate to a number of international issues and several of the most prominent are listed below for illustrative purposes.
Students entering IDS/IS should give great thought to the science and technology track. Of all the functional tracks, it probably has the strongest career prospects regardless of what one wants to do in life.
Logical focus areas in science and technology policy:
A. ICT and Globalization
If you supplemented your Systems coursework and Language/Regional studies with computer/internet training and addressed the ways in which informational  and communication technologies (ICT) impact economic coordination, citizen diplomacy, globalization, governance and foreign policy-making, you would have a very unique and powerful way of looking at the world. Such an education would be very marketable in government, international organizations, NGOs and in the private sector, especially if it culminated in an imaginative senior thesis. To pursue this path, you would want to include coursework in MIS, advanced internet operations, web page construction and networking. Some of those skills can be acquired from the free offerings of CCIT (perhaps bundled together as an independent study course).
B. International Energy Policy
 This problem lurks. We pay attention only at times of intermittent oil price hikes, but the long-run potential for economic and military conflict based on energy scarcity is very high. A student who knew some basic chemistry and petroleum geology would have more influence in energy debates than someone who focused solely on economics. A specialization on global energy policy might also include specialized language and cultural work, perhaps on Central Asia, and coursework in natural resources and resource economics.
C. Renewable Resources and the Environment Several students have already followed this path - with great success. They have approached resource and environmental issues by emphasizing international conservation strategies, national (Chinese) policies toward the environment and the tools that allow us to plan resource and environmental strategy more wisely. The latter skills are GIS (geographic information systems) and remote sensing. A decision to fold those skills (perhaps four courses) into an IDS/IS degree would be rewarded in the job marketplace.
D. International Biotechnology Policy
Biotechnology will become a massive international industry, one replete with economic competitiveness, cultural objections, ethical dilemmas and political competition. Building a basic strength in MCB, coupled to work in international law and economics, would give a student an opportunity to write a thesis that would address contemporary and future issues. It would be a terrific foundation for someone who wanted to go into international law and specialize in biotechnology issues.
E. Science, Engineering and Security
Sometimes we think security issues have abated. That is incorrect. To speak with authority on issues of defense spending, military strategy, arms control , nuclear proliferation and other security problems, a person needs some scientific credibility. Coursework in math, materials engineering, physics, oceanography or atmospheric sciences could be applicable. Coupled with language work appropriate to your area of interest, foreign study and course work in national security affairs and in economics, it’s a potent combination.
F. Global Change
This is the BIG problem. Given the expertise available at this university in atmospheric sciences, remote sensing, and GIS, a student who so desired could put together a very strong combination of skills. Paired with work in international law, international organizations, foreign policy and economics, it would give a student the ability to weigh in, with influence, on a problem that is simply going to get worse and demand more attention.
Science and Technology Course Modules (Coming Soon)
Science and Technology Recommended Courses Click Here
If you have any additional questions please email:
Dr. Wayne Decker - wdecker@email.arizona.edu
or
Dr. Karna Walter. - karna@email.arizona.edu
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