Biological Sciences (Biology and Society), BS

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  3. Biological Sciences (Biology and Society), BS

Examine how biology intersects with ethics, policy and culture. Explore how science shapes our understanding of the world and informs decisions that affect society. Develop critical thinking and communication skills that prepare you for a variety of careers.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science program in biological sciences with a concentration in biology and society examines the relationship between biology and its broader social, philosophical, ethical, historical and policy contexts. Students investigate how biological knowledge is created, interpreted and applied in society, and how these processes influence scientific priorities and decision-making.

Through coursework in history and philosophy of the life sciences and medicine, ethics, and science policy, students gain insight into what science is and how it changes over time. The program encourages critical thinking and effective communication through engagement with topics such as bioethics, history of biology and medicine, biodiversity and science policy.

Students may complete independent research projects to investigate the social, philosophical, historical, ethical and policy considerations of science, technology and medicine. The program is available as an accelerated degree option. Students considering concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences should consult The College's website for additional information.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations.
  • Demonstrate preparedness for graduate/professional degree programs and/or employment.
  • Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, ideas, and reasoning with appropriate use of relevant sources and evidence.

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus,
    or
    online
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: Moderate
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

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Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation)
Gain the ability to integrate economic, cultural and political variables in working to solve critical societal development issues, such as raising standards of living. You'll have opportunities around the world to tackle some of humanity's most difficult and urgent challenges.

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Computational Life Sciences
Be part of the data-driven revolution in the life sciences. Today's breakthroughs rely on powerful computational methods that extend beyond the bench, enabling once impossible discoveries. In this program, you'll gain advanced skills in data analysis, modeling and informatics that complement experimental approaches, preparing you to tackle complex biological questions.

Computational Life Sciences Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)
Are you seeking a leadership role in a global organization? This concentration offers applied learning opportunities and internships in settings around the world. You'll gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy)
Where business meets creativity, and strategy meets design. You can become tomorrow's global leader, equipped with the tools to inspire audiences, craft digital experiences, and drive innovation on a worldwide scale.

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism)
Prepare for leadership roles in the global tourism arena. You'll be equipped with the skills needed to transform global enterprises --- skills that are increasingly important as ecotourism grows and the tourism industry adopts sustainability practices.

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions)
Learn powerful new strategies and tactics to make sustainability a driver of organizational engagement, cost savings and innovation. You'll become an expert leader who can transform sustainability practices in your chosen field.

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management
Gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. This program offers applied learning opportunities, 16 concentration options and practical internships in global settings.

Global Management Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Administration)
There is a cross-sectoral need for professionals who have both public administration mastery and next-generation global management skills and experience. As a future executive or manager, you'll be equipped with these sought-after skill sets.

Global Management (Public Administration) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship)
Acquire the expertise needed to conceive and execute innovative global ventures. Through rigorous coursework and in-depth exposure to current multicultural business practices, you'll master the principles of management for global entrepreneurial enterprises.

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery)
Are you seeking a leadership role in the rapidly growing health care industry? Through this concentration, you'll gain a repertoire of global management skills and experience tailored specifically to health care.

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Affairs)
Are you looking to become a leader in a nonprofit, governmental or international business role? With specialized cross-training in international affairs and the fundamentals of global management, you'll be ready to make a great impact on a worldwide scale.

Global Management (Global Affairs) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Business)
Become a leader through mastery of global business management principles and practices. You'll gain an understanding of the economic, political and social factors driving change and how decisions affect global markets. Attain the perfect balance of practical and people skills to inspire, influence and drive global success.

Global Management (Global Business) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Molecular and Cellular Biology
Do you want to understand the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life? You'll gain skills in contemporary techniques and have the opportunity to tailor the program around your research and career interests.

Molecular and Cellular Biology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)
Thrive in global markets and respond to the challenges of the global and digital landscape of today's interconnected world. Customize your degree and acquire digital skills in marketing, design, product development, automation and data analytics.

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Biology
Deepen your knowledge of the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.

Biology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Microbiology
When you become an expert in microbes, you'll be able to contribute to the greater good. Learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, and receive theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest.

Microbiology Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management )
Are you a globally minded person who demands a purpose-driven career? Prepare for impactful roles in nonprofit organizations around the world as you gain the knowledge necessary to produce meaningful, rewarding work that enhances communities.

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management ) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Policy)
Are you seeking a career as a policy analyst or leader in public service? Join graduates around the world who are involved in the formulation, approval, implementation and evaluation of public policy.

Global Management (Public Policy) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Legal Studies)
Engage in experiential learning and build your skills in global management and legal analysis --- skills that are in demand among multinational corporations, international nonprofit organizations, governments and nongovernmental organizations around the world.

Global Management (Global Legal Studies) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Biology (Biology and Society)
Do you need more than a foundation in biology? Do you want to take your training into society and bring about change? Within this multidisciplinary program, you can develop knowledge and skills for tangible action and prepare for employment, a doctoral program, or other professional studies.

Biology (Biology and Society) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

Public Administration
Prepare yourself as a results-oriented, strategic leader capable of keen decision-making through this prestigious, flexible degree program. Become a leader in the public sector by engaging with distinguished faculty and a cohort of exceptional peers.

Public Administration Program Website | Locations: DTPHX,HAINA,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

Graduates are prepared for careers in law, medicine, education, policy, public health, and science communication. The program also provides a foundation for graduate study in biology, ethics and history and philosophy of science. Students develop skills applicable to roles addressing the ethical and societal impacts of scientific advancement.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Bioinformatics Scientists

  • Growth: 1.2%
  • Median Salary*: $93,330.00

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

  • Growth: 7.3%
  • Median Salary*: $83,460.00
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Community Health Workers

  • Growth: 11.3%
  • Median Salary*: $51,030.00
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Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: $80,060.00

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

  • Growth: -1.6%
  • Median Salary*: $64,580.00

Lawyers

  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: $151,160.00

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

  • Growth: 8.7%
  • Median Salary*: $100,590.00
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Medical and Health Services Managers

  • Growth: 23.2%
  • Median Salary*: $117,960.00
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* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Sun Icon Bright Outlook | Leaf Icon Green Occupation


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Global Experience

Through study abroad programs, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, biological sciences students experience distinct biological environments and gain an understanding of worldwide differences in the human condition. They are exposed to a variety of laws, policies and practices in biology-centric environments worldwide and expand their knowledge of how science impacts society. Students can engage in community service and outreach activities all around the world, which can help their graduate and professional program applications stand out.

With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs enable students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in biological and society.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Learn about online options

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/727-6277


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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