Online Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Biology and Society
Learn to navigate the complexities of how biology and society intertwine. The Bachelor of Science in biological sciences with a concentration in biology and society explores how society shapes science and how science shapes us and our place in the world. In this program, you'll discover how biology affects a range of ethical, historical, philosophical, political and social issues.
Quick facts
Next start date: 06/29/2022
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
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!
Study ethics in biology
As a biology and society major, you’ll study science from a humanities perspective. The interdisciplinary biology and society bachelor’s degree concentration explores the impact of biology on humanity and our environment. You’ll learn about past and present controversies on applications of biology. These applications include gene editing, human cloning and stem-cell research.
The program’s rigorous coursework also covers bioethics, conservation, ecology, genomics and more. You'll engage in scientific inquiry and investigate ethical, historical, philosophical and social issues. You’ll also gain cognitive skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, including cultural sensitivity and teamwork. These skills make biology and society majors more effective policymakers, researchers, teachers and writers.
How are biology and society connected?
Biology plays an integral part in our social context. Biological research may impact society in diverse ways, such as adapting water systems, curing human diseases and protecting our planet.
Applications of biology, such as gene editing and human cloning, may pose ethical, philosophical and social challenges. Issues related to the social and medical responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) also draw on both biology and society. Understanding the social context of society can help shape education, policy, law and more.
Does my biology degree with a concentration in biology and society 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Please note your diploma will state the degree you earn: Bachelor of Science in biological sciences. Your concentration in biology and society will not appear on your diploma, but it will be noted on your transcripts.
Hands-on experience in an online biology lab
Watch videoBiology, ethics and society courses
You’ll take a range of courses in the biology and society bachelor’s degree program online. Course topics include bioethics, conservation biology, environmental ethics, history and philosophy of science. You’ll learn about science in contemporary society with ethics, history and philosophy at the core. Core courses include:
BIO 307: Research Colloquium: Identifying a Research Question
BIO 414: Research Colloquium in Biology and Society II
BIO 311: Biology and Society
BIO 345: Evolution
BIO 181: General Biology I (SQ)
BIO 182: General Biology II (SG)
BIO 340: General Genetics
What can I do with a biology and society major?
The biology and society concentration will prepare you for a variety of careers.. These might include bioinformatics scientists, community health workers, physicians, teachers and more. You’ll graduate with an interdisciplinary skill set grounded in science and the humanities, including scientific, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. Career examples include, but are not limited to:
Bioinformatics Scientist
Biological Sciences Professor
Community Health Worker
Environmental Protection Specialist
High School Teacher
Lawyer
Life Scientist
Medical Scientist
Medical and Health Services Manager
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.
- 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.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Admission requirements
first-year student
You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Become a student of a collaborative institution
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 be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.
25,500+
currently enrolled students.
$140
million in research expenditures in 2018.
23
interdisciplinary schools and departments.
95+
undergraduate degrees.
Tuition calculator
Our tuition calculator can help you estimate full-time tuition fees for this program without financial aid. Keep in mind: More than 80% of our students receive financial aid.
Financial aid can reduce out-of-pocket costs, resulting in less financial stress and increased academic confidence. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Our tuition calculator can help you estimate full-time tuition fees for this program without financial aid. Keep in mind: More than 80% of our students receive financial aid.
Financial aid can reduce out-of-pocket costs, resulting in less financial stress and increased academic confidence. Learn more.
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