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The Bachelor of Science in innovation in society is designed to help students cultivate the critical thinking skills needed to develop creative strategies that steer innovations toward the needs and values of society.  Students are trained to synthesize research and theory from the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering so they can develop proposals for how to build better futures.

No single discipline will be able to solve the complex problems we face today.  Science and engineering can help us further values we hold dear such as health, economic prosperity, security, justice, peace, sustainability, privacy, and happiness. But innovations need to be developed and deployed carefully and with an understanding of a global context that includes corporations, governments, infrastructure, and people. Students in this major learn to consider the implications of technology before it is deployed and understand the big picture so that they can bring together the pieces needed to form a successful strategy. Our classes include extensive use of interactive activities and projects to prepare graduates to work collaboratively with experts from a variety of backgrounds to innovate in ways that create better futures for people and communities around the globe.

The BS in innovation in society degree is specifically tailored for students who have a background or interest in the engineering, science, and quantitative social science aspects of innovation who want to play a pivotal role in bringing different disciplines together to solve the world’s most difficult problems. This interdisciplinary degree program prepares students for careers in public service, business, policy, and academia.

Required courses

A major map outlines a major’s critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.

While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple general studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.

At a glance

Innovation in Society, BS

Application requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:

Affording college

Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact, more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of financial assistance every year.

Career outlook

Businesses, governments and nonprofits are all dealing with rapid advances in science and technology and need people who are equipped to understand what those changes mean for their goals and operations; people who can understand how innovation happens, who have the analytical skills to deal with complex challenges, and who can develop effective strategies and policies to guide change.

Graduates of this program have the skills to work in a variety of sectors providing problem-solving, analysis, quality assurance, future planning, technology assessment, and communication and facilitation on issues related to innovation in science and technology. Graduates are well prepared for careers in business and entrepreneurship, public service and policy; they are also prepared for further education in professional schools (such as law, MBA, policy and social work) and graduate research in a variety of disciplines.

Career examples include but are not limited to those shown in the following list. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Potential careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Career*growth*median salary
Chief executives-3.9%$183,270
Compliance managers 8%$105,610
General and operations managers 9.1%$100,410
Historians6%$59,120
Investment fund managers8%$105,610
Administrative services managers 10.1%$94,020
Political scientists2.8%$115,110
Regulatory affairs managers 8%$105,610
Social sSciences teachers, post-secondary, all other 10%$64,480
Wind energy project managers 8%$105,610

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

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