Program Overview
Biology (Environmental Justice), BS
The Bachelor of Science program in biology with a concentration in environmental justice examines living systems through experiential learning and scientific inquiry. By learning in an integrative environment that emphasizes the connectedness of the life sciences and social sciences through the lens of justice and equity, students gain an understanding of larger scientific concepts and how science can be applied to social policies to effect positive outcomes for communities and ecosystems.
Program Description
In this program, students develop the skills to improve community health and quality of life. All the program's core courses include laboratories to provide students with ample practice in science inquiry, including the development of scientific questions, designing experiments and collecting data, and data analysis.
At a Glance
- College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences
- Math intensity: Moderate
Curriculum
The curriculum for this program includes a range of courses that provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biology and environmental justice. Students can view the 2025 - 2026 curriculum and archives for more information.
Concurrent Program Options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Tuition Information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
Global Opportunities
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students in the biology environmental justice concentration program are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are able to apply their science research skills and knowledge to a variety of careers in the life sciences. Opportunities include careers in wildlife or animal conservation, formal or informal science education environments or environmental consulting; some go on to pursue science or policy graduate study.
- Career | Growth | Median salary
- Biological Scientist (General) | 1.2% | $93,330
- Biologist | 1.2% | $93,330
- Biostatistician | 8.5% | $103,300
- Environmental Analyst | 3.4% | $67,950
- Environmental Protection Specialist | 4.4% | $80,060
- Environmental Restoration Planner | 4.4% | $80,060
- Environmental Sciences Professor | 2.9% | $87,710
- Fish and Wildlife Biologist | 1.6% | $72,860
- Molecular Biologist | 1.2% | $93,330
- Sustainability Specialist | 3.0% | $81,270
STEM-OPT Extension
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.