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Biology (Biology and Society), MS

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Degree Requirements Admission Requirements Next Steps Learning Outcomes Career Opportunities Request Information
  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. 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? In this multidisciplinary degree, you build the knowledge and skills for tangible action. You prepare for a career, a doctoral program or other professional studies while learning to bring about meaningful change.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Biology (Biology and Society)

Biology and Society master's description

In the biology and society concentration of the Master of Science program in biology, you examine topics in which biology intersects with society.

The concentration tailors individual plans of study to your needs and interests, with a solid grounding in the life and related sciences and with a rigorous analytical and interdisciplinary education. The program offers suggested courses if you wish to focus on these areas: bioethics, policy and law; biology education research; ecology, economics and ethics of the environment; and history and philosophy of science.

Bioethics, policy and law --- You train in the pressing moral, policy and legal issues raised by the biosciences and biomedicine and in the disciplinary methods necessary to address these issues.

Biology education research --- You focuses on carrying out education research to identify ways to improve undergraduate biology education broadly.

Ecology, economics and ethics of the environment --- You train in the theory and empirical methods for understanding, analyzing and shaping policy for coupled human-natural systems.

History and philosophy of science --- You train in the conceptual foundations of science, especially the epistemological and methodological assumptions that shape science and its progress through time.

Learning Outcomes
  • Able to contribute to original biology and society research in scholarly writing.
  • Able to communicate biology and society research results in presentations.
  • Able to articulate an understanding of current literature on scientific developments and their relevance to society in scholarly writing.

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours and a thesis

Required Core (1 credit hour)
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in Life Sciences (1) or
BIO 611 Current Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) in the Life Sciences (1)

Concentration (2 credit hours)
BIO 615 Biology and Society Lab (1), taken twice

Electives or Research (21 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
BIO 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
The Electives or Research category allows an individual student program to be developed in consultation with the student's advisor and committee.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. academic record form
  4. personal statement
  5. curriculum vitae or resume
  6. writing sample
  7. three letters of recommendation
  8. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of core requirements for an undergraduate major in biology or a related discipline (typically evolution, genetics and other courses appropriate to the student's particular interests). Students who do not have an undergraduate-level competency in the sciences may be considered for conditional admission to the biology and society concentration.


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:

BS - Biological Sciences

Explore the diversity of living systems and the connections that sustain life with a degree that offers flexible specialization options and hands-on research experiences. Work alongside faculty in research labs and develop practical skills in laboratory work, field studies and scientific communication.

Biological Sciences Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology)

Study the biological mechanisms that control gene expression, cellular communication and organismal development, gaining deep knowledge in areas that can help you drive advances in medicine and biotechnology.

Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology)

Study how organisms engage with their environments, analyze ecological data, and conduct fieldwork in Arizona's deserts and beyond. Explore the science of biodiversity as you prepare to design solutions that conserve species, sustain ecosystems and promote a more resilient and sustainable planet.

Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Biology and Society)

Explore the intersection of biology and human systems while you examine how scientific knowledge shapes our understanding of the world and the systems we create, including health care, environmental policy, public communication and ethical decision-making.

Biological Sciences (Biology and Society) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior)

Explore how organisms think, move and behave. Investigate the biological mechanisms behind neural processes, physiological systems and behavior while developing research and analytical skills through laboratory experiences and faculty-led investigations.

Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)

Explore human biology, disease processes and molecular health mechanisms. You'll build a foundation in chemistry and biology while gaining practical laboratory and research experience essential for success in health-related professions.

Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,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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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
December 1st
Final


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Career Opportunities

Careers this biology and society master's degree prepares you for

Graduates are prepared for academic careers. Their skills and knowledge are also valuable for government careers in federal and state agencies responsible for management and conservation and for careers in industry and nongovernmental organizations.

Career examples include:

  • instructor at a university or college
  • lawyer
  • researcher analyzing health care, environmental or educational systems in an academic, government, nonprofit, private or industrial organization
  • science communicator in an academic, private or industrial organization
  • science policymaker or administrator
  • science or social studies teacher in an elementary or high school

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]
  • 480/965-1768


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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