Online Bachelor of Science in Innovation in Society

Are you passionate about science and technology? Do you want to help shape the future and make a difference in the world? If so, the Bachelor of Science in innovation in society from Arizona State University may be a perfect fit. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for career paths in technology management, policy global development and more.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


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 Innovation in Society (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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Help shape a changing world with an innovation in society degree

From breakthroughs in artificial intelligence to improvements in renewable energy, emerging technologies can transform society. However, rapid advancement increases the need for responsible, ethical innovation focused on sustainability and social impact.

This degree program equips you to become a leader in shaping the future of innovation. You’ll gain the technical skills needed to educate the public on science and technology, as well as analyze, build and innovate equitable solutions for all.

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:

What you'll learn in the innovation in society BS program

Through a combination of coursework, hands-on projects and opportunities for research and internships, you’ll explore the complex relationships between science, technology and society. You’ll also learn how to evaluate the impacts of new innovations on the environment, economy, global community and politics. As a graduate, you’ll have a set of technical skills transferable to nearly every industry, including:

  • Analyzing the social, ethical and political implications of emerging technologies.
  • Applying foresight methodologies to anticipate the future impacts of science, technology and policy.
  • Assessing the role of governments, markets and other actors in shaping innovation.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • Communicating effectively about science and technology.
  • Designing and implementing responsible innovation projects.

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 focus on math, the BS includes required courses related to science, engineering and statistics.

The Bachelor of Arts in innovation in society is a less technical degree better suited for those interested in the arts and humanities. The BA program has lower math requirements and doesn’t require statistics or additional technical electives.

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.”

Innovation in society courses

Your courses cover technology assessment, foresight, innovation systems analysis, innovation for development and policy analysis and more. You’ll learn about timely topics, such as advancements in artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, renewable energy, geoengineering and synthetic biology. Courses may include: 


FIS 480: Innovation in Society Studio


FIS 307: Navigating Futures (SOBE OR SB)


FIS 308: Politics, Markets and Innovation (CIVI OR SB)


FIS 111: Welcome to the Future (CIVI)


FIS 201: Innovation in Society (HUAD OR H)


FIS 305: Ways of Knowing (L)


STP 231: Statistics for Life Science (QTRS OR CS)


STP 226: Elements of Statistics (QTRS OR CS)


What jobs can I get with a degree in innovation?

This program prepares you for careers related to emerging innovations in science and technology, such as technology policy analyst, responsible innovation manager, innovation consultant and more. Roles may also involve technology foresight, new technology assessment and implementation, long-range planning and quality assurance. Additional potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:

Chief Sustainability Officer


Growth: -8.2 %
Salary: $189,520

Clinical Data Manager


Growth: 35.2 %
Salary: $103,500

Clinical Informatics Analyst


Growth: 9.6 %
Salary: $102,240

Environmental Protection Specialist


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $76,480

Health Sciences Manager


Growth: 4.8 %
Salary: $144,440

Information Security Analyst


Growth: 31.5 %
Salary: $112,000

Logistics Analyst


Growth: 18.3 %
Salary: $77,520

Medical Records Analyst


Growth: 16.5 %
Salary: $58,250

Operations Research Analyst


Growth: 22.5 %
Salary: $85,720

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.

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.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

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.

Study at the most innovative university in the nation

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 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5


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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