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This BA program in innovation in society provides students with tools and concepts to analyze new and emerging innovations and the diverse local and global futures they enable. Students will be prepared to build more inclusive future societies and develop strategies that link innovation with social needs and values. The curriculum develops transdisciplinary perspectives that synthesize research and theory from the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. Students will learn qualitative methods to investigate how science and technology have shaped and reflect social values, in preparation for careers in public service, business, policy and academia.
Degree offered
Innovation in Society (BA)
Future of Innovation in Society, School for the
Location
Tempe
Major map
A major map outlines the degree’s requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
- Students will be required to complete a foreign language requirement
- As part of the General Studies math requirement, SFIS students in the BA program will need to take MAT 142 (or equivalent)
- Students will be required to take 6 credits of upper division related area electives from across the university that cover topics important to SFIS majors (including courses from Sustainability, Anthropology, Biology and Society, etc.)
- Students will be required to complete university general studies requirements
- Students will also need to complete 27 hours of free electives
Freshman
Transfer
International
Readmission
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
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.
Advising
The School for the Future of Innovation in Society advising office is open to all innovation in society students and students interested in our programs.
Contact
Elisha Thompson, Undergraduate Advisor
SFISadvising@asu.edu
Interdisciplinary B 366
1120 South Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287-5603
Office Hours
Monday – Friday (excluding university holidays)
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Please call the office to make an appointment.
480-727-0627
Courses
Core Courses (majors are required to take all of these courses)
FIS 101 SFIS-The ASU Experience (1): Learn about ASU, the Innovation in Society major, and possible careers
FIS 111 Welcome to the Future (3): Explore the ways in which the future inspires, shapes, and motivates the present
FIS 201 Innovation in Society (3): Find out what innovation is and why some innovations succeed and others fail
FIS 305 Ways of Knowing (3): Learn how different disciplines – from engineering to sociology – understand the world
FIS 307 Navigating Futures (3): Explore “future thinking” methods and practice using some of them
FIS 308 Politics, Markets, and Innovation (3): Discover the roles that governments, markets, and other factors play in innovation
FIS 480 Innovation in Society Studio (3): Plan, design, make, and evaluate your own client-based project
Program Elective Courses (majors are required to take at least two of these courses)
FIS 331 Technology and the Modern World (3): Learn how analyze the relationship between technology and societies
FIS 332 Risk and the Future (3): Explore risk and how it affects innovation and our collective future 
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FIS 333 Governing Emerging Technologies (3): Discover how societies govern science and technology
FIS 334 Science, Technology, and Inequality (3): Learn how innovation can lead to and possibly address inequality
FIS 335 Designing Knowledge (3): Find out how social organizations make and use knowledge
FIS 336 Science and Technology Policy (3): Discover how governments and corporations make policy about science and technology
FIS 337 Innovation and Global Development (3): Explore international development in science and technology
FIS 394 SpecialTopics: The American Dream (3) Explore the future of the American Dream
FIS 431 Technology, Security and Insecurity in Global Politics (3): Discover the role of technology in international politics
Career outlook
Governments, corporations, and nongovernmental organizations, facing increasingly rapid change driven by or relating to science and technology, need people who can respond effectively to change, develop and implement policy, understand the intersection of science, technology and society, and have the analytical skills to deal with challenges. Students graduating from this program will have the skills to work in any of these sectors providing problem solving, analysis, quality assurance, futuring, and communication and facilitation on issues related to science, technology, innovation and society. Graduates will be prepared for professional schools, public service and policy making, industry, entrepreneurship or graduate research in a variety of disciplines.
Example 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Services Managers | 12.47% | $81,080 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | 15.12% | $73,660 |
| Chief Executives | -1.38% | $168,140 |
| City and Regional Planning Aides | 17.77% | $37,140 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 15.45% | $115,730 |
| Compliance Managers | 7.32% | $100,890 |
| Construction Managers | 17.21% | $82,790 |
| Cost Estimators | 25.34% | $58,860 |
| General and Operations Managers | -0.13% | $95,440 |
| Historians | 11.46% | $52,480 |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,870 | |
| Industrial Production Managers | -7.65% | $89,190 |
| Investment Fund Managers | 7.32% | $100,890 |
| Legislators | 0.72% | $19,780 |
| Logistics Managers | -5.26% | $81,830 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | 7.32% | $100,890 |
| Management Analysts | 23.87% | $78,600 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 15.45% | $115,730 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 15.12% | $72,170 |
| Political Scientists | 19.49% | $102,000 |
| Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | -15.11% | $63,050 |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | 7.32% | $100,890 |
| Sales Managers | 14.95% | $105,260 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 8.85% | $55,050 |
| Security Managers | 7.32% | $100,890 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 17.77% | $37,140 |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | 15.12% | $69,890 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 13.78% | $59,970 |
| Storage and Distribution Managers | -5.26% | $81,830 |
| Supply Chain Managers | 7.32% | $100,890 |
| Transportation Managers | -5.26% | $81,830 |
| Transportation Planners | 22.44% | $76,540 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | 7.32% | $100,890 |
| Wind Energy Project Managers | 7.32% | $100,890 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
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