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Certificate Program

Einstein, Relativity and Myths

A talk by Prof. Al Martinez

The Certificate on History & Philosophy of Science provides undergraduate students an opportunity to gain a cross-disciplinary command of the methods and findings that the liberal arts contribute to our understanding of the sciences. Students analyze the dynamic development, concepts, and roles in society of various sciences, as well as the personal, dramatic struggles of famous scientists.

All UT undergraduate students, regardless of major or college, are eligible for this Certificate program. It's an excellent complement to any degree, and especially for students of science or engineering who want to learn about the cultural context of the disciplines they study. This Certificate is also an asset to students considering graduate study in the history or philosophy of science.

The HPS Certificate is one of several certificate programs offered by the College of Liberal Arts. Courses that qualify for the HPS program are offered by various departments, including History, Philosophy, Astronomy, Physics, Classics, Core Texts, Anthropology, etc.

  • Students must complete 6 courses. These courses are: 2 required courses in History of Science, 2 specific courses in Philosophy of Science, plus 2 electives from a list of pre-approved courses in several departments. Thus, our program requires 18 semester hours of coursework, of which at least 12 semester hours must be upper-division and at least 9 semester hours must be completed in residence at UT Austin. You can download the full certificate plan here. The list of approved courses that meet the requirements is also available in the undergraduate advising offices of the Department of History (GAR 1.140) and the Department of Philosophy (WAG 313).

    Most of the courses for this Certificate have no restrictions and are open to any student. Some upper-division courses require that the student have upper-division standing in order to enroll. If you encounter any difficulty in registering for a course, please contact us at haps-advisors@utlists.utexas.edu and we will try to help.

  • How to Get Started

    You can start the HPS Certificate at any time by registering for the required or elective courses. No formal application is required. But we encourage you to fill out our ENTRY SURVEY. 

    The Entry Survey will ask you whether you wish to join our email Listserv. By joining, you will receive notification of new courses we approve for the certificate, advising and certification reminders, and announcements of relevant lectures and events.

  • Advising

    The program Director is Dr. Alberto Martínez of the Department of History. He may be contacted at almartinez@austin.utexas.edu 

    Advising questions may also be emailed to haps-advisors@utlists.utexas.edu 

  • Apply to Receive Your Certificate

    Students should apply for transcript-recognized undergraduate academic certification when they complete their undergraduate degree or the Certificate program, whichever comes later. (The Certificate may be earned up to a year after earning a Bachelor’s degree.) If you are in your final classes to graduate this semester, you may apply online here.

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