Online Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Biology and Society

Learn to navigate the complexities of how biology and society intersect with Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in biological sciences with a concentration in biology and society. This program offers the opportunity to experience science, not just learn it. Using innovative technology, you’ll explore how society shapes science and how science shapes the ways we understand our world. Additionally, you’ll discover how biology affects a range of ethical, historical, philosophical, political and social issues.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 03/17/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Biological Sciences – Biology and Society (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

* Indicates a required field

Understanding the direct impact scientific research has on our world

Biology plays an integral part in our social context. And as a biology and society major, you’ll study science from a humanities perspective. Biological research may impact society in diverse ways, such as adapting water systems, curing human diseases and protecting our planet.

The biology and society concentration curriculum covers bioethics, conservation, ecology, genomics and more. You'll engage in scientific inquiry and investigate ethical, historical, philosophical and social issues. It also explores the impact of biology on humanity and our environment. Additionally, you'll learn about past and present controversies of applications of biology, including gene editing, human cloning and stem cell research.

This program’s innovative courses enable new ways of learning and applying skills. Narrative storytelling tools such as Dreamscape Learn allow you to explore virtual worlds as a scientific investigator. In this interactive 2D environment, you’ll gather and analyze data to solve realistic problems in biology. Actively participating in the story will deepen your understanding and strengthen your problem-solving skills. Additional practical learning opportunities may include at-home lab kits, in-person lab sessions, internships and research.

Attend our upcoming webinar to learn more about ASU’s online undergraduate biological sciences programs. Sign up.

The career paths and master’s programs this degree prepares you for

Studying biology ethics gives you a diverse skill set applicable to a variety of careers. Upon graduating, you’ll have quantitative reasoning and scientific abilities, as well as intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. You’ll relate biological concepts to social and historical problems and know how to communicate science ethically. These competencies have proven to be instrumental in both biological and humanities careers. Potential career fields for graduates include environmental law, public policy and public health.

This bachelor’s degree can also be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field.

Applicable master's degrees include:

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Learn biology online in ways you never thought possible.

Biology, ethics and society courses

Course topics include bioethics, conservation biology, environmental ethics, history and philosophy of science. You’ll learn about science in contemporary society with a focus on ethics, history and philosophy.  Additionally, depending on your elective choices, you’ll also have the opportunity to complete lab experiences in person at ASU’s Tempe campus.


What you can do with a biology and society degree

How does science shape the ways we live in and understand our world? How does society shape the way we do science? This program offers perspectives on these questions, preparing you to become an effective teacher, policymaker, clinician or researcher.

Potential career paths for biology and society majors include, but aren’t limited to:

Bioinformatics Scientist


Growth: 3.9 %
Salary: $87,300

Biological Sciences Professor


Growth: 8.6 %
Salary: $81,650

Community Health Worker


Growth: 14.1 %
Salary: $46,190

Environmental Protection Specialist


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $76,480

High School Teacher


Growth: 1.0 %
Salary: $62,360

Lawyer


Growth: 7.5 %
Salary: $135,740

Medical Scientist


Growth: 9.8 %
Salary: $99,930

Medical and Health Services Manager


Growth: 28.4 %
Salary: $104,830

Learn from global scientific leaders

From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:

  • Fulbright American Scholars
  • Guggenheim Fellows
  • MacArthur Fellows
  • Nobel laureates

Learn from global scientific leaders

From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:

  • Fulbright American Scholars
  • Guggenheim Fellows
  • MacArthur Fellows
  • Nobel laureates

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students

$170


million in research expenditures in 2022

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments

100+


undergraduate degrees

Tuition calculator

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. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

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. Learn more.

You might also be interested in

Biochemistry (BS)

Undergraduate

Biochemistry (BS)


Starts 03/17/2025

Learn more
Biological Sciences – Biomedical Sciences (BS)

Undergraduate

Biological Sciences – Biomedical Sciences (BS)


Starts 03/17/2025

Learn more
Biological Sciences (BS)

Undergraduate

Biological Sciences (BS)


Starts 03/17/2025

Learn more
Health Sciences (BS)

Undergraduate

Health Sciences (BS)


Starts 03/17/2025

Learn more