Biological Sciences (Biology and Society) ,BS
Biology, Evolution, Medicine, Policy, Pre-Med, Public Health, Research, Science, Society, approved for STEM-OPT extension, bioethics, ethics, life sciences, philosophy, pre-health, sustainability
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.
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. You 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, you gain insight into what science is and how it changes over time. The program encourages your skills in critical thinking and effective communication through engagement with topics such as bioethics, history of biology and medicine, biodiversity and science policy.
You 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. If you are considering concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you should consult The College's website for additional information.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
- Math
intensity: Moderate
This video provides an overview of the Biological Sciences (Biology and Society) degree program at ASU.
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share 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.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® 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 they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations.
- Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, ideas, and reasoning with appropriate use of relevant sources and evidence.
- Demonstrate preparedness for graduate/professional degree programs and/or employment.
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.
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 job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
1.2%
|
$98,920
|
|
|
7.3%
|
$84,620
|
|
|
11.3%
|
$51,850
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
-1.6%
|
$72,040
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$159,670
|
|
|
8.7%
|
$103,410
|
|
|
23.2%
|
$123,860
|
School of Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
