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Science, Technology and Society, BS

Gain the analytical expertise to evaluate emerging technologies, anticipate societal impacts and lead change across industries with a career-driven degree from the nation's leader in innovation.

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A person uses connected technology in a city, exploring innovation in ASU's Science, Technology and Society, BS program.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: General program math intensity general
First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
OR any math course that meets the MATH designation.
View more details

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Science, Technology and Society degree description

The Bachelor of Science program in science, technology and society prepares you to shape the future at the intersection of innovation and human impact. As societies navigate decisions about artificial intelligence, biotechnology and digital platforms in health care, governance, communication and the environment, organizations increasingly seek leaders like you who can guide these choices toward positive outcomes by understanding their social, ethical and policy dimensions.

This interdisciplinary degree program equips you with technical skills, research expertise and cultural awareness to advance meaningful change. You explore pressing issues, including the technological divide, global sustainability, the politics of technology, economic and health disparities, and resource insecurity. Drawing on diverse perspectives from policy analysis, sociology, economics, history and ethics, you develop decision-making skills to analyze problems from multiple viewpoints and design human-centered solutions. You prepare to lead cross-sector innovations, influence policy, shape public discourse, and address global challenges in ways that benefit both organizations and communities.


Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
HST 280 History of Science, Technology and Innovation
HST 345 Environmental History
STP 226 Elements of Statistics
STS 101 Introduction to Science, Technology and Society
STS 200 Yesterday's Tomorrows: A History of the Future
STS 329 Technology in Developing Countries

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Situate scientific and technological developments within their historical, cultural, and environmental contexts.
  • Evaluate the social, ethical, and political implications of science and technology.
  • Apply a science and technology studies concept to analyze an experience in a professional setting.

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

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your 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:


Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

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.

Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, science, technology and society students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.

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 receive 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 opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Compliance Manager 4.9% $141,900
Government Programs Specialist 1.6% $54,210
Logistics Analyst 17.6% $82,320
Political Analyst -2.0% $142,080
Public Relations Specialist 1.8% $74,750
Regulatory Affairs Manager 4.9% $141,900
Social Services Director 7.2% $80,390
Supply Chain Manager 6.1% $107,230
Technical Director 4.0% $90,360

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 science, technology and society degree prepares you for

Graduates are prepared for impactful careers that connect innovation, policy and social change. With expertise in research, critical analysis, policy evaluation and strategic problem-solving, they are prepared to lead initiatives in:

  • global development and social impact --- designing programs that reduce inequities and strengthen communities
  • governance and public policy --- influencing decision-making in government and regulatory bodies
  • public health and health care innovation --- shaping policies and systems to improve health outcomes
  • technology management --- guiding innovation strategy for tech companies, startups and public-sector projects
  • sustainability and environmental policy --- addressing climate challenges through science-based solutions

Potential job titles include:

  • compliance manager
  • data warehousing specialist
  • logistics analyst
  • political analyst
  • regulatory affairs manager
  • social services director
  • supply chain manager
  • technical director

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 Applied Sciences and Arts | SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526

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.

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