Biology (Environmental Justice), BA
Do you care about fairness in health and the environment? Explore how access to clean air and water is shaped by social and economic factors and build your communication and analysis skills to promote equity and create healthier futures.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Biology (Environmental Justice) degree description
In the Bachelor of Arts program in biology with a concentration in environmental justice, you examine the interdisciplinary nature of the life and physical sciences, social sciences and moral theories as applied to environmental systems and health, focusing on how these disciplines intersect.
You gain a foundation in the key principles of biology, including cell theory, ecosystem dynamics and energy exchange, and genetics. The program's organization and flexibility enable you to study another subject outside your major simultaneously.
You gain hands-on experience with advocacy for marginalized communities that often bear the disproportionate impacts of inequitable environmental policies. You work in small groups and one-on-one with individual faculty members to practice communication and advocacy skills. You may participate in advanced scientific research by assisting in faculty research laboratories and even publish your findings in top journals, presenting your results at regional and national scientific meetings.
Why specialize in environmental justice at ASU?
Many biology programs focus primarily on scientific concepts and laboratory-based study. This program combines biological sciences with environmental justice, allowing you to explore how environmental conditions, public health, communities and ecosystems are interconnected.
You gain a broader understanding of environmental challenges by examining both scientific evidence and the social factors that influence environmental outcomes. This interdisciplinary perspective allows you to connect biology with environmental problem-solving and community impact.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| BIO 181 General Biology I |
| BIO 182 General Biology II |
| BIO 320 Fundamentals of Ecology |
| BIO 353 Cell Biology |
| LSC 347 Fundamentals of Genetics |
| CHM 113 General Chemistry I |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
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See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students in the biology program with a concentration in environmental justice are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Scientist (General) | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Biologist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Biostatistician | 11.0% | $105,650 | Learn more |
| Environmental Analyst | 5.3% | $73,010 | Learn more |
| Environmental Protection Specialist | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Restoration Planner | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Sciences Professor | 2.7% | $94,980 | Learn more |
| Fish and Wildlife Biologist | 3.6% | $76,780 | Learn more |
| Molecular Biologist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Sustainability Specialist | 3.9% | $83,050 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed 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.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this environmental justice concentration prepares you for
Graduates of this program can apply their science research skills and knowledge to a variety of careers in the life sciences. Possibilities include working in wildlife or animal conservation, in formal or informal science education environments, or for environmental consulting services. Some graduates pursue graduate programs in science or policy.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
|
FAB N101
NewCollege@asu.edu
602-543-2890
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
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.
