History of Science, Medicine, and Technology

One of the largest and oldest academic programs of its kind in the United States, History of Science, Medicine, and Technology (HSMT) draws together faculty members in History and in Medical History & Bioethics. Collectively, we offer broad coverage of the field, with expertise that spans Europe, the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean, stretches from the Middle Ages to the recent past, and ranges across the physical, biological, and social sciences to medicine and technology.

Students with doctoral training in one of the health professions may earn an M.A. in History of Medicine. It is also possible to earn a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree through the School of Medicine & Public Health’s Medical Scientist Training Program and the HSMT degree program.

Our faculty and students enjoy close links to an extensive, interdisciplinary community of scholars at UW-Madison that includes the Robert F. & Jean E. Holtz Center for Science and Technology Studies; Center for Culture, History and the Environment; Center for the History of Print & Digital Culture; Information School; Center for Visual Cultures; Material Culture Studies;  Medieval Studies; Center for Early Modern Studies; Religious Studies; Gender and Women’s Studies; and various area studies programs; together with faculty in Chemistry, Philosophy,  and Curriculum and Instruction.

For undergraduate courses in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology, see the Department of History’s Courses page. For information on our HSMT graduate degree program, see the Department of History’s Graduate Program pages.