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
How does science shape the way we understand our world? Explore the social context of science while developing the skills needed to navigate the ethical complexities of scientific discovery. Discover how policy decisions are shaped by biological research, and investigate the significance of the sciences in understanding our complex world.
In the BS program in biological sciences with a concentration in biology and society, students explore the social, philosophical, historical, ethical and policy dimensions of science, technology and medicine.
They investigate the motivation behind research, learn to ask probing questions about how and why biological problems are studied in the past and present, and examine how these factors interact with policy decisions.
In this highly individualized program, students can engage in independent study and research projects. They gain hands-on experience with world-renowned faculty in bioscience ethics, history and philosophy of science, science communication, science education and science policy.
This program is available as an accelerated degree program.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term 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 the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
-
Math intensity:
Moderate
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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 has the following program outcomes:
- 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, students studying biological sciences 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 all around the world, which can help their graduate and professional program applications stand out.
With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs allow 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.
The biology and society concentration within the biological sciences major provides students with an individualized and skill-based foundation in life sciences and complex human issues. This foundation will enable them to pursue advanced research and graduate study in biology, ethics, education and history and philosophy of science.
The Bachelor of Science degree program also prepares graduates with the historical, philosophical, political and ethical perspectives they need for direct entry into their choice of career in any of many field options, including medicine, law, public health, public policy and academia.
Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
3.9%
|
$87,300
|
|
|
8.6%
|
$81,650
|
|
|
14.1%
|
$46,190
|
|
|
6.1%
|
$76,480
|
|
|
1.0%
|
$62,360
|
|
|
7.5%
|
$135,740
|
|
|
9.8%
|
$99,930
|
|
|
28.4%
|
$104,830
|
School of Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
