Online Bachelor of Science in Innovation in Society
Do you think innovation can make the future more just and sustainable? With a Bachelor of Science in innovation in society, you’ll study how science and technology impact society and build the skills needed to address civilization's most pressing problems. After completing this innovation degree, you’ll be prepared for a career in public service, business, policy or academia.
Quick facts
Next start date: 06/29/2023
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
Have questions about the Innovation in Society (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
What is a degree in innovation?
No single discipline can solve the complex problems we face today. While science and engineering can help us further values, such as health and economic prosperity, innovations need to be developed and deployed with an understanding of a global context. The Bachelor of Science in innovation in society cultivates the critical thinking skills needed to develop creative strategies in relation to society’s needs and values. These needs include creating innovative solutions for:
- Breakdowns of Western democracy.
- Effects of climate change.
- Pandemics and vaccine distribution.
This bachelor’s degree can 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:
What will I learn in this innovation in society program?
In this innovation in society program, you’ll learn to consider the implications of technology before it is deployed and understand the big picture, so you can contribute to creating better science and technology, through innovations in process design, policy making, and problem-solving. You’ll also synthesize research and theory from the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences and engineering to contribute to solving complex societal challenges. Additionally, you’ll gain a range of transferable skills, including the ability to:
- Apply foresight methods to assess emerging trends and plausible futures.
- Compare local and global forces that shape innovation and evaluate consequences for equity and justice.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the influences, origins, histories, values and risks across innovation systems.
- Think critically about innovation and the relationship between changes in technology and society.
- Engage critically with experts, professionals, decision makers and the public.
What is the difference between a BS and BA in innovation in society?
The Bachelor of Science in innovation in society is tailored for students with a background or interest in the engineering, science and quantitative social science aspects of innovation. With a bigger focus on math, the Bachelor of Science includes required courses related to science, engineering and statistics.
Will my innovation society degree 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.
Innovation in society courses
Through your coursework, you’ll gain a greater understanding of the forces shaping our future. This understanding prepares you to play a crucial role in directing our world to futures that we want to live in. Courses include:
FIS 307: Navigating Futures (SB)
FIS 111: Welcome to the Future
FIS 201: Innovation in Society (H)
FIS 308: Politics, Markets and Innovation (SB)
FIS 305: Ways of Knowing (L)
SOC 390: Social Statistics I (CS)
STP 226: Elements of Statistics (CS)
STP 231: Statistics for Life Science (CS)
What jobs can I get with a degree in innovation?
Graduates with a degree in innovation are prepared to work in a variety of sectors providing problem-solving, analysis, quality assurance, future planning, technology assessment, communication and facilitation on issues related to innovation in science and technology. Careers include, but are not limited to:
CEO
Compliance Manager
General Manager (GM)
Historian
Investment Fund Manager
Office Manager
Political Analyst
Politician
Social Sciences Professor
Learn from scholars and practitioners around the world
The faculty of the School for the Future of Innovation in Society works around the world on a wide variety of projects, such as energy innovation, poverty alleviation, business and innovation for social good, community development, food security, water access and education. They work on projects in the regions of Africa, the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Latin America and North America, with funding from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Agency for International Development, the World Bank and other entities. They bring their real-world experience to bear on the design of courses and the mentoring of students.
Learn from scholars and practitioners around the world
The faculty of the School for the Future of Innovation in Society works around the world on a wide variety of projects, such as energy innovation, poverty alleviation, business and innovation for social good, community development, food security, water access and education. They work on projects in the regions of Africa, the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Latin America and North America, with funding from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Agency for International Development, the World Bank and other entities. They bring their real-world experience to bear on the design of courses and the mentoring of students.
Innovation in society 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.
Learn the skills and mindsets of the world's top futurists
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
#1
in innovation for 8 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Top 10
best online bachelor’s programs.
Top 10%
best global universities.
80%
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
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.
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