Science and technology are the roots, not only of our understanding of the natural world and its relationship to human welfare, but also of the constraints on what can be accomplished with the scarce resources comprising nature. Virtually all public policies are grounded in the realities of the natural world and proceed on the basis of constantly changing assumptions about or understandings of nature. An understanding of science and technology is thus essential to the formation of virtually any sound public policy. In addition to the role of science and technology in policymaking on issues such as environmental imbalances, energy sources, human health, and national defense, this concentration considers U.S. policies toward science and technology itself, U.S. policy-making institutions, and the roles that scientists, engineers, and physicians play in the policy process. Students completing this concentration have employment opportunities with local, state, federal, and international organizations concerned with science and technology policy and regulatory agencies, legislative bodies and firms dealing with such agencies, including consultancies.