Undergraduate

This program integrates a core business curriculum with the study of economics as a social science. Business courses include accounting, finance, management, marketing, supply chain management and data analytics. Building off this foundation, you’ll delve into micro- and macroeconomic theory, applying these theories to practical problems through statistical analysis.

Additionally, you’ll develop skills to model economic phenomena using algebra, calculus and statistics. You’ll also explore topics ranging from pricing strategy and cost-benefit analysis to environmental policy impact and international exchange rates. Elective courses allow you to explore specialized areas, such as international, financial, labor and development economics.

How this program compares to our liberal arts economics degree

ASU’s online business and liberal arts economics programs both explore how society deals with scarcity and require mathematical and statistical aptitude. However, the program you choose will depend on your interests and career goals.

This online business economics degree is ideal if you’re interested in career paths that draw from practical business knowledge, especially economic theory. As a graduate, you’ll be well-prepared for positions within banking and finance, government, public policy and other fields that demand analytical and quantitative skills.

Alternatively, you may pursue ASU’s liberal arts economics degree online if you’re passionate about economics, but want more flexibility in elective courses. While the economics curriculum is identical, you do not need to complete the business core. This program is a great option if you want to combine economics studies with another field in preparation to work in law, government, politics and more.

The travel and tourism industry is the largest industry and employer in the world. Along with recreation, sports and other leisure-oriented enterprises, there is significant employment potential for graduates with opportunities in most communities or regions.

With a tourism and recreation management degree, you can pursue many relevant roles in the public, private and nonprofit sectors at resorts, convention and visitor bureaus, sports enterprises or commercial recreation businesses. You’ll also be prepared to work as a tour operator, event planner, recreation coordinator or travel agent.

In addition, 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 Sustainable Tourism.

What you’ll learn in this bachelor’s program

Foundational management knowledge is a key area of focus in this program, as well as the strategy of planning events, classes, sports leagues and similar activities. You’ll learn about the science of effectively delivering leisure services to benefit a variety of audiences and interests within a wide range of settings. You’ll also gain a variety of transferable skills, including the ability to speak effectively, listen attentively, facilitate group discussion, identify problems, develop evaluation strategies, manage groups and promote change.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in one of the following areas to support your personal career path after graduation:

• Events
• Recreation
• Sports
• Tourism

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

The bachelor’s in tourism and recreation management is ideal for students interested in learning how to provide enjoyable and enriching experiences in a variety of settings. This includes ensuring the stability and cost-effectiveness of the programs they manage, as well as making a positive difference in people’s lives and embracing the communities they work in.

Please note: While this program does emphasize improving communities through travel and recreation, there isn’t a specific focus on hospitality or the food and beverage industry.

In this program, you'll learn about the innovative ways organizations use information technology to drive their success. You'll also gain a variety of targeted skills, such as:

• Business intelligence for competitive advantage.
• Business processes for workflow redesign.
• Data management for decision-making
• Distributed systems for collaboration and globalization.
• Enterprise integration for synergy.
• Management of technology and systems to support organization goals and initiatives.
• Project management.
• Solution development for value creation.

In addition to gaining technical knowledge, you’ll also learn how to engage with key stakeholders, such as staff, employees, suppliers and government officials. This program prepares you to design, build and maintain information technology and systems that support critical business operations and managerial decision-making.

CIS majors: In-demand and highly paid

Currently, there is a shortage of information systems professionals, with many more jobs than graduates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in roles related to computer and information technology is expected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2023, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

The BLS also reported that the median annual pay in this group of occupations was ​​$100,530 in May 2022. That’s more than double the median earnings of all occupations, which was $46,310 in the same time period. Upon graduating from this program, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue in-demand careers across many industries.

CIS vs. CS: What’s the difference between them?

This online bachelor’s in computer information systems, offered by the W. P. Carey School of Business, focuses on designing, developing and managing software applications and systems. In this program you’ll learn how to embed these systems within a business and leverage their accessibility to create real value. Information systems professionals are the bridge between a business’ goals and the technology needed in order to bring these goals to life. After completing this CIS program, you’ll be well-prepared with technical expertise with a strong business foundation.

The online bachelor’s in computer science program, offered by the Fulton School of Engineering, focuses on the next generation of computer technology. This includes highlighting engineering and software development fundamentals to analyze a variety of applications from artificial intelligence to database systems. In the CS program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and integrate programming languages such as Java, C and C++ into projects.

In this program, you’ll analyze the impact of religion on societies throughout the world, with an emphasis on how it influences everyday life and its portrayal in art and media. By exploring religious depictions in popular culture, literature, film and more, you’ll develop an understanding of how belief systems are perceived and shared. 

The curriculum includes an emphasis on analyzing how different religions inform decision-making in aspects of human life, ranging from appearance to attitudes about mortality and sexuality. Through your coursework, you’ll learn how religious understanding shapes:

• Communication.
• Entertainment.
• Reasoning.
• Socialization.
• Work.

The skills you’ll develop in a bachelor’s of religious studies

Throughout this religious studies degree, you’ll develop professional skills, such as analysis, writing, speaking, critical thinking and reasoning. As you advance your understanding of the impact of religion on societies, you’ll build a familiarity with diverse cultural practices, which are transferable in a variety of workplace settings and advanced degree studies. The topics covered in the curriculum can support careers in many industries, including:

• Counseling.
• Education.
• Government agencies.
• Human resources.
• Nonprofit organizations.
• Publishing.

Which religious studies degree is right for me?

The bachelor’s degree in religious studies may be a good fit if you’re interested in learning about how religion impacts society in cultures around the world. In pursuit of this degree, you’ll expand your knowledge about religious traditions and take a magnified look at practices concerning diet, rites marking life traditions and more. This religious studies degree is applicable whether you’re already working in a related field or you’re passionate about exploring world religions.

ASU Online also offers a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies program with a concentration in religion, politics and global affairs. Instead of examining particular places and times, the religion, politics and global affairs concentration explores broader political movements, international relations and ethical trends across societies.

In this program, you’ll gain in-demand skills in data management methods and algorithms related to geographical data. This degree is ideal for those interested in solving complex environmental and societal challenges such as business zoning, flood control, fire hazard modeling and public health. You’ll also become versed in mapping company assets, wildlife habitats and health trends.

Your upper division courses will focus on applying data analysis to address issues within businesses and government agencies. For example, you might identify how environmental factors influence disease spread or highlight minority communities disproportionately impacted by pollution. Through investigating causes and solutions, you’ll learn how to transform raw data into actionable insights.

What you can do with a GIS degree

Jobs relevant to GIS majors are growing at a faster-than-average rate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth from 2023 to 2033 for cartographers and photogrammetrists. That same growth rate is also projected for surveying and mapping technicians. By earning this degree, you'll have the opportunity to build a career in a variety of fields, such as:

• City and urban planning.
• Conservation and environmental science.
• Data analysis and visualization.
• Health and human services.
• Insurance.
• Software development.
• Supply chain management.

Additionally, 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 Urban and Environmental Planning.

How does this program compare to a geoinformatics degree?

Geographic information science (GIS) and geoinformatics are closely related fields with key differences in their application. GIS highlights the theoretical foundations such as spatial data representation, visualization and analysis. Geoinformatics, on the other hand, is a subdivision of GIS that focuses on practical issues. In geoinformatics, you’ll use geospatial technologies for issues in environmental monitoring, urban planning and disaster management.

This bachelor’s in speech and hearing science can be a stepping stone toward rewarding careers in the health and behavioral fields. The curriculum is designed to build your understanding of normal speech, hearing and language development and then delve into disorder identification, diagnosis and treatment.

As a graduate, you’ll be equipped to pursue entry-level positions such as audiology assistant, hearing aid or cochlear implant company representative and research assistant. You’ll also have the education to support obtaining a speech-language pathology assistant (SPLA) license in Arizona; although you must also complete 100 hours of supervised clinical experience, pass the exam and meet all other requirements. Additionally, many students apply to master’s programs in speech-language pathology and communications disorders or doctoral programs in audiology.

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop

This program emphasizes the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, speech, language and hearing science, and the human communication system. In upper-division courses, you’ll explore related disorders children and adults face. These can include developmental delays, autism, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, speech production problems, Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and brain injuries.

You’ll also develop practical skills such as preparing medical reports, analyzing speech or hearing data, collecting clinical data, phonetic transcription and hearing screening. Additionally, you’ll gain introductory experience in writing treatment goals and implementing treatment under the supervision of licensed field professionals.

The differences between speech-language pathology and audiology

Speech-language pathology and audiology are distinct fields that rely on advanced speech and hearing sciences knowledge. Audiologists focus on identifying and treating hearing-related disorders and balance issues for people of all ages. Speech-language pathologists also work with individuals of all ages and aim to improve communication for those with speech, language and swallowing disorders. This program is an excellent step toward impactful and helping careers in either of these fields.

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are in high demand, can be well-paid and must have education beyond the bachelor’s level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for audiologists is expected to grow 11% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than average for all occupations. The median pay in 2023 was $87,749. For speech-language pathologists, employment is expected to grow 19% in the same time frame and the median salary in 2023 was $89,290.

This program provides a comprehensive education in electrical engineering while offering specialized knowledge in the generation, transmission and utilization of electric power. You’ll study large-scale energy management and explore emerging technologies related to wind turbines, hydroelectric power and other renewable energy sources. Courses cover electric power plants, nuclear engineering, photovoltaic energy conversion, power system analysis, electrical machinery and more.

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, this program meets the commission’s educational standards and prepares you to excel in engineering careers.

Additionally, 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 Engineering in electrical engineering.

What is power engineering?

Electrical power engineering refers to the practice of creating and improving systems for handling electric power. This includes generating power and sourcing energy for intended industrial and consumer applications. Today, demand is deviating from large-scale centralized plants to smaller networked systems. Likewise, other big shifts are happening as the world converts to renewable energy and electric cars. As a power engineer, you can bridge this divide and aid in developing new energy systems and electric grids that carry the world into a cleaner future.

What does an electrical power engineer do?

Electrical power engineers specialize in designing and operating technologies related to the electrical grid and power generation. They work with conventional power sources, such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy, as well as alternative energies, including solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power.

Your job duties may involve electric system analysis, wind turbine design, solar panel development, generator maintenance and more depending on your position. As an electrical power engineer, you’ll also have the opportunity to help develop emerging technologies in the transition to renewable energy and build automated smart grids.

With preventable diseases on the rise globally, there's a growing demand for international public health professionals. Pursuing this bachelor's in international public health allows you to make a positive impact on the health of people around the world. This career field emphasizes the importance of preventive care and treating chronic conditions for patients globally. This program also prepares you to fight epidemics and pandemics, which is essential to international public health efforts. In this field, you can create effective public health practices within the principles of equity, ethics and sustainable development. You can also work to improve infrastructure to provide public health, preventative and clinical services to communities in need.

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop

This international public health degree provides the knowledge and skills needed for a career addressing systemic issues in global wellness and health care. In your coursework, you’ll cover topics ranging from health policy and advocacy to epidemiology and data analysis. Upon graduating, you’ll be equipped to evaluate, synthesize and communicate evidence-based public health information to diverse audiences throughout health care.

Additionally, you’ll gain valuable transferable skills that you can apply to many careers, including:

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Cultural competency
• Leadership
• Problem-solving

Global coursework and learning abroad opportunities

In this program, you can participate in global intensive experiences, study abroad programs and internships abroad that focus on international and comparative health systems. There are over 250 study abroad experiences available, which can be as long as a semester or as short as one week. All programs offer the opportunity to earn course credit and some also include international internship placements.

UX will continue to grow more relevant as technology advances. People have increasingly close relationships with technology in their home and work lives. This means there will be an increased need for professionals with UX knowledge as the use of digital tools, services and platforms expands. Additionally, UX can apply to both physical and digital systems, and experts are needed for all types of UX design and communication.

As communication is a key factor in the UX design process, professionals must effectively share their research findings with colleagues, leaders and other stakeholders. Upon graduating from this program, you’ll be equipped to communicate successfully and develop effective design, making interactions between users and systems more positive, productive and predictable.

Who’s a good candidate for this bachelor’s program?

This technical communication degree may be a great fit if you enjoy using technology and are interested in helping people design and create communication products. UX centers on a mix of creativity and problem solving, and professionals spend time with end users testing products and imagining solutions. Ideal candidates will be comfortable with clarifying ambiguity and being creative in their roles.

The field of technical communication and UX doesn’t necessarily require a high level of technical skill or computer science knowledge. This field is open to individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, emphasizing the creation of meaningful and positive user experiences through thoughtful design.

This bachelor’s degree can also be completed as part of an accelerated master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as one extra 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 user experience.

How does this program compare to other UX degree concentrations?

While all of ASU Online’s UX degree concentrations include a curriculum focused on the interaction between individuals and systems, how they frame UX differs. This UX concentration focuses on the communication side of UX through gathering user information, analyzing data, designing communication products and communicating research findings to stakeholders.

Differently, the Bachelor of Science in graphic information technology with a concentration in UX hones in on the physical design process to create easy-to-use applications, desktop software, websites and other digital or physical products. If you’re interested in why users react the way that they do, the Bachelor of Science in human systems engineering with a UX concentration explores how psychology is integrated into a design approach to solve complex human-computer interaction problems.

An applied leadership degree emphasizes practical and useful strategies for managing others in vocational settings. It examines transdisciplinary methods designed to prepare you to build useful leadership skills and apply them to nearly any career field. Along with day-to-day leadership concerns, you’ll learn about topics like:

• Assessing and improving company diversity.
• Change and innovation efforts.
• Organizational ethics.

A focus on practicality sets this applied leadership degree apart from similar programs. The Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership, for example, shares coursework with this degree. However, the organizational leadership program focuses much more on theory compared to the functional teachings of this degree.

The applied leadership skills you’ll gain

While there’s no single template for a great leader in the service and vocational industries, certain concepts are especially important, including:

• Behavioral dynamics and leadership theory.
• Conflict management and mediation.
• Cross-organizational communication and discussion.
• Cultural competencies.
• Writing abilities.

These highly transferable skills can stay with you throughout your time in the workforce. Whether you remain in your current industry or move to a new one, your applied leadership degree will be a valuable asset.

How is a Bachelor of Applied Science degree different from a BA or BS degree?

Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are designed specifically for students who’ve earned an Associate of Applied Science.

• Students who’ve earned an AAS from a regionally accredited institution may transfer 60 credit hours toward their BAS.
• Students who’ve earned an AAS from a regionally accredited Arizona community college may be eligible to transfer up to 75 credits toward their BAS.