Biological Sciences (Biology and Society), BS
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.
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
Biological Sciences (Biology and Society) degree description
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.
Why specialize in biology and society at ASU?
ASU offers interdisciplinary training that pairs your biological sciences coursework with studies in ethics, policy and science communication. This combination prepares you to apply scientific knowledge in societal contexts rather than laboratory-based research alone.
You'll benefit from ASU's R1 research university environment and have access to the Center for Biology and Society, where you can engage with faculty who study the social, philosophical and policy dimensions of life sciences and medicine. The concentration supports experiential learning through independent research projects that investigate ethical, historical and policy considerations in science, technology and medicine; and you'll learn to interpret biological research and translate it for diverse audiences. You'll develop critical thinking and communication skills as you investigate how biology influences society and how cultural, philosophical and policy contexts shape scientific priorities.
Additional details
Through the Center for Biology and Society at ASU, you can connect with resources, events and faculty expertise that deepen your understanding of how biology intersects with health care, the environment and public decision-making. The center supports student research and engagement with topics such as biodiversity, bioethics and the history of biology and medicine.
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 340 General Genetics |
| BIO 345 Evolution |
| MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences |
| 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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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.
- 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.
Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations. 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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioinformatics Scientist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Biological Sciences Professor | 7.3% | $84,620 | Learn more |
| Community Health Worker | 12.7% | $51,850 | Learn more |
| Environmental Protection Specialist | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Medical Scientist | 12.6% | $103,410 | Learn more |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | 24.2% | $123,860 | 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 biology and society concentration prepares you for
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.
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 Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
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.
