College of Global Futures

This concentration is for those passionate about using scientific research and quantitative approaches to develop sustainable solutions that support ocean and coastal community health. Coursework prepares you to analyze strategies for coral resilience, educate stakeholders on conservation practices, enhance biodiversity preservation and address climate challenges.

With a strong emphasis on chemistry, biology and data-driven methodologies, this program equips you to pursue leadership roles in marine industries or advance your studies in disciplines such as:

• Biological, chemical and physical oceanography
• Coastal ecosystem science
• Coral reef science
• Marine biology
• Marine education

Marine and coastal science expertise you’ll develop

This program builds knowledge and skills in integrated ocean science with a focus on quantitative approaches. Courses teach you to evaluate marine decisions using data analysis and modeling, predict ocean system behaviors under different conditions and interpret visual data to inform solutions. You’ll also develop skills to effectively communicate co-produced work and its value to stakeholders.

As ocean sustainability becomes increasingly urgent, strong quantitative skills will be essential for understanding ecosystem functioning, biogeochemistry and ocean-climate interactions. You’ll explore how course knowledge applies to examining coral reef health, nutrient cycling in ocean systems, ocean dynamics, land-sea interactions and more.

How our two ocean futures degrees compare

ASU’s two bachelor’s degrees in ocean futures are STEM programs designed to train the next generation of ocean stewards. Both offer the flexibility to study from anywhere and provide optional immersive opportunities at ASU coastal locations, including the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation in Hawai’i. Your career goals can guide your decision on which program to choose.

• Bachelor’s in ocean futures
  • This degree broadly explores the natural processes and human impacts shaping ocean health while addressing global marine challenges. It requires less advanced science coursework, including a lower level of chemistry than the concentration. You’ll also take stewardship and partnership courses to develop a practical understanding of the social and economic dimensions of ocean health.
• Bachelor’s in ocean futures – coastal and marine science
  • This concentration emphasizes quantitative approaches to solving coastal and marine challenges. It includes more advanced chemistry coursework and a quantitative applications requirement. This option is ideal if you plan to pursue graduate studies, such as ASU’s online master’s in coastal and marine science and management.

Ocean health is vital to planetary well-being, and dedicated stewards are needed to develop innovative solutions for emerging challenges. Earning this degree positions you to economically and responsibly address the impacts of rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, sea level rise, overfishing and more. With interdisciplinary expertise, you’ll be prepared to engage communities and lead transformational changes in ocean-related industries and practice.

This program is accessible wherever you live and equips you for careers in the blue economy. You can pursue roles in areas such as coastal and marine protection and management, land-sea interactions and community-based stewardship. You’ll also gain the knowledge to assess fisheries’ impact on ocean health, support coral reef restoration and integrate intergenerational values into conservation efforts.

How our two ocean futures degrees compare

ASU offers two online bachelor’s degrees in ocean futures: this marine studies program and a degree concentrated in coastal and marine science. Both are STEM programs designed to train the next generation of ocean stewards and innovators. Regardless of which you choose, you can participate in optional hands-on opportunities at ASU locations, including the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation in Hawai’i. Your interests and career goals can help determine which program suits you best.

• Bachelor’s in ocean futures
  • This ocean sustainability and marine studies degree broadly explores the natural processes and human impacts shaping ocean health while addressing global marine challenges. It requires less advanced science coursework, including a lower level of chemistry than the concentration. You’ll also take stewardship and partnership courses to develop a practical understanding of the social and economic dimensions of ocean health.
• Bachelor’s in ocean futures – coastal and marine science
  • This concentration emphasizes quantitative approaches to solving coastal and marine challenges. It includes more advanced chemistry coursework and a quantitative applications requirement. This option is ideal if you plan to pursue graduate studies, such as ASU’s online master’s in coastal and marine science and management.

Support the blue economy with a degree in ocean sustainability

The multi-trillion-dollar blue economy encompasses careers that sustainably use ocean resources to drive economic growth and support thriving communities. Industries in this expanding sector include fisheries, marine conservation, coastal tourism and recreation, energy, transportation and research. Professionals dedicated to balancing economic development with environmental stewardship are essential to maintaining healthy, productive oceans for future generations.

With the ocean futures marine studies degree, you can build a career that makes a lasting impact on the blue economy across the public, private, nonprofit and nongovernmental sectors.

Innovation exists in all spaces from nonprofit organizations and private businesses to academia and the government. This innovation degree provides you with the knowledge needed to analyze the complex relationships between science, technology and society.

In this program, you’ll explore the artistic and humanities aspects of innovation. You’ll also gain an understanding of how advancements in science and technology change the way people live, work and experience the world. Whether you hope to launch a social enterprise, shape public policy or drive sustainable innovation, you’ll graduate prepared to drive equitable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

This bachelor’s degree can 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:

• Master of Science in global technology and development.
• Master of Science in public interest technology.

What you’ll learn in the innovation in society BA program

Blending theory and practice, your courses focus on building skills in designing, implementing and evaluating responsible innovation projects. You’ll learn how to analyze the implications of emerging technologies, assess roles of governments and markets in shaping innovation, apply foresight methodologies and communicate about science and technology.

Additionally, you’ll gain an understanding of how to engage with scientists, engineers, corporations and communities to drive innovation that enhance societal values, such as:

• Health and happiness.
• Economic prosperity.
• Justice and peace.
• Privacy and security.
• Sustainability.

What’s the difference between a BA and BS in innovation in society?

The BA in innovation in society degree is an ideal fit for students with a background in the humanities and social sciences. This program is built for those interested in bringing disciplines together to solve 21st century challenges.

This differs from the Bachelor of Science in innovation in society, which is designed for those looking to gain a technical perspective on ways their work can impact the world. The BS in innovation in society has a higher math requirement, as well as other technical courses.

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:

• Master of Science in global technology and development.
• Master of Science in public interest technology.

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.