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Responsible innovation in science, engineering and society (graduate certificate)

The certificate program in responsible innovation in science, engineering and society is designed for scientists, engineers, research managers, technology officers, public administrators and policy officials who seek to advance science and technology to improve societal outcomes and to develop creative solutions to the fundamental global challenges of the 21st century.

The program provides knowledge, skills and methods for analyzing innovation and technological systems; knowledge and uncertainty in decision-making; the regulation and governance of science and technology; the uptake of science and technology in complex societal settings; and interactions between science, technology and the public. The certificate may be pursued by professionals in industry or government or by graduate students pursuing their Arizona State University degree program.

At a glance

Responsible Innovation in Science, Engineering and Society (Graduate Certificate)

Plan of study

The plan of study is the required curriculum to complete the program.

View plan of study

Admission requirements

This program requires 15 credit hours:

Core (3):

HSD 540 Responsible Innovation and Research (3)

Electives (3)

Culminating Experience (3)

HSD 580 Practicum (3)

Graduate certificate in responsible innovation in science, engineering and society (RISES)

The certificate in responsible innovation in science, engineering and society is designed for scientists, engineers, research managers, technology officers, public administrators, and policy officials who seek to advance science and technology to improve societal outcomes and to develop creative solutions to the fundamental global challenges of the 21st century. The certificate provides knowledge, skills, and methods for analyzing innovation and technological systems, knowledge and uncertainty in decision-making, the regulation and governance of science and technology, the uptake of science and technology in complex societal settings, and interactions between science, technology, and the public. The certificate may be pursued by professionals in industry or government or by graduate students in ASU programs in parallel with their degree. The certificate will involve 15-credits of coursework, which includes a significant capstone experience.

Requirements for the certificate in responsible innovation in science, engineering and society (RISES)

RISES Handbook 2021-2022

The certificate in responsible innovation program requires the following: 15 credit hours including the required capstone course HSD 580.

  • Overall required credit hours: 15
  • Core Course credit hours: 3 – HSD 540 Responsible Innovation and Research
  • Elective Course credit hours: 9

Culminating Experience: Capstone course, HSD 580: Practicum (3 credit hours)

Depending on a student’s undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.

Admissions policies for responsible innovation in science, engineering and society (RISES)

The School for the Future of Innovation in Society encourages applications from students of diverse backgrounds.  Students are strongly encouraged to have prior relevant education, training, or experience in science or engineering.

Degree: Applicants must have earned a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country.

GPA: Applicants must have maintained a “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) grade point average in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate course work.

International students: International students who need an F1 or J1 visa will first need to apply to and be accepted into a master’s or doctoral program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the USA on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission be considered for admission to this certificate program.

English proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English (regardless of where they may now reside) must provide proof of English proficiency. The most current requirements at https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate-apply)

Students must fulfill the requirements of Graduate College.

Application process

The responsible innovation in science, engineering and society application process:

  1. Initiate an online ASU graduate admissions application through the Graduate College web site (https://admission.asu.edu/graduate) by creating an account – remember your log in email and password in case you need to return to the application.
  2. My Application Status; “Start New Application”
  3. Personal Information
  4. College and University information with majors and GPAs
  5. Residency information
  6. Degree Selection; Select the “Certificate” radio button; Search by College = College of Global Futures; select “Responsible Innovation in Science, Engineering and Society (Graduate Certificate)” then click the “Choose” button; in the pop up indicate “Tempe Campus” and the term for which you wish to apply.
  7. Supplemental Application information
    1. Identify any faculty, students or staff you have been in contact with about the certificate program.
    2. Request two Letters of Recommendation from people who can evaluate your potential for success in this program. These letters must be submitted using the online application system.  As you move through the steps in the online application, you will be asked to enter the email addresses for the two people who will be writing your recommendations.  The ASU Graduate College online application system will automatically contact them with information on how to log in to the online system and upload the Letter of Recommendation.
    3. Prepare and upload a personal statement.
    4. Prepare and upload a current resume.
    5. Answer the questions
  8. Submit the online ASU graduate admissions application.
  9. Pay the application fee. 
  10. Have official transcripts* sent to ASU.  One set of official transcripts from every college and university from which a Bachelors or higher degree was earned should be sent to:

If sending by U.S. mail, use this address:

Admission Services Applicant Processing
Arizona State University
PO Box 871004
Tempe, AZ 85287-1004

If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS, use this address:

Arizona State University
Admission Services Applicant Processing
1150 E University Dr, Bldg C, Rm 228
Tempe, AZ 85281

ASU transcripts do not need to be sent. If additional transcripts are required, Graduate College will notify you.

ASU accepts electronic official transcripts – more information is available at https://admission.asu.edu/transcripts. For transcripts sent through a secured transcript service, please select Arizona State University from the vendor’s dropdown list to ensure the transcript is routed to the correct place.  If an email address is requested you can route to [email protected] or for graduate applicants to [email protected]. Please note that transcripts sent by students to [email protected] or [email protected] will not be accepted as official. These addresses are only for transcripts received from secured and approved transcript services.

International applicants – more information on requirements for international academic credentials (https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate-apply).

* You must have one set of official transcripts from every college and university from which you earned a bachelor’s degree or higher sent to ASU. ASU accepts official transcripts that are original academic credentials issued by the registrar of the institution attended, bearing the original raised or colored seal of the institution and the signature of your institution’s registrar, academic official or recognized international organization.

All international transcripts must be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal, complete versions of the originals and must be translated by a university, government official, or official translation service. You may not complete your own translation.If you are from a country whose native language is not English, you must provide proof of English proficiency. More information on English Proficiency requirements is available on the Graduate College web site (https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate/english-proficiency).  

Application deadline

Applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer admission:

TERM OF ADMISSIONDEADLINE
FallJune 1st
SpringOctober 1st
SummerMarch 1st

Academic advising – certificate in responsible innovation in sience, engineering and society (RISES)

The Certificate in Responsible Innovation in Science, Engineering and Society students are advised by Andra Williams, Graduate Program Advisor and Clark Miller, Co-director and Ira Bennett, Co-director. If you have questions regarding what classes you should take or need, please discuss your options with them.

Andra Williams
Graduate Program Advisor

Interdisciplinary B, Room 366
Phone:  480-727-9498
Fax:  480-727-8791
[email protected]


Ira Bennett
Degree Program Co-Chair

Certificate in Responsible Innovation in Science, Engineering and Society
Interdisciplinary B, Room 366
[email protected]