Undergraduate

Mechanical engineering is the most diverse and versatile field of engineering, playing a critical role in numerous modern industries such as aerospace, construction, power, technology and transportation. As a mechanical engineer, you'll design, build and control devices, machines, processes and systems that are the cornerstones of our industrialized society. These systems include heating and cooling systems, solar power solutions, robotics, manufacturing processes and electronics.

To succeed in this field, you'll need advanced knowledge of physics and mathematics to tackle the complexity of these mechanical systems. The job duties of a mechanical engineer are incredibly versatile, allowing you to find a position that aligns with your interests. Whether designing biomedical devices, internal combustion engines, fuel-efficient vehicles or planning energy systems in the electrical power industry, the opportunities are vast and varied.

The skills you’ll develop in this program

Throughout this mechanical engineering degree concentration, you’ll gain the skills needed to design, manufacture and operate components, devices and systems, including:

• Computer-aided design.
• Computer programming.
• Data science and statistics.
• Engineering design process.
• Finite-element analysis.
• Rapid prototyping.
• Technical writing.
• Testing and validation.

You’ll also learn how to use governing energy transfer, mechanical design, sensors and control devices principles to solve practical and timely engineering problems. This might include analyzing pollution, dissecting mechanical systems or creating automatic control systems.

What you can do with a mechanical engineering degree

Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for careers in automotive research, heating and cooling systems design, robotics development and more. This mechanical engineering degree concentration provides a robust foundation for diverse engineering and technical roles, and may lead you to advanced graduate programs.

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 materials science and engineering.

In this program, you’ll uncover what it means to be human by studying both history and biology. You’ll also gain expertise in data analysis and research design, focusing on human evolution, archaeology and the broader field of anthropology. By mastering the scientific method, you’ll learn to formulate and test hypotheses, gather data through observation and excavation, and analyze it using statistics.

Beyond building technical skills, this degree encourages you to ask profound questions about humanity. You’ll explore what defines us — our cultures, beliefs, social behaviors, evolution and biology — and connect with the lives of people from both the recent and distant past. Through this journey, you’ll seek to understand how human behavior has evolved and continues to change, gaining a deep insight into what it truly means to be human.

The skills you’ll develop as an anthropology major

As an anthropology major, you’ll develop a unique set of skills that are valued across fields. You’ll learn to “think like an anthropologist,” honing your ability to manage, evaluate and interpret large amounts of data with an analytical mindset. You’ll also gain a broad, holistic perspective that allows you to appreciate our place in nature and understand the history of human societal change. This deep understanding of human behavior, combined with the ability to grasp nuance and ask important questions, will prepare you for success in science, medicine, business and more. Additionally, ASU offers a variety of hands-on research opportunities to undergraduate anthropology students.

The differences between a BA and BS in anthropology

When choosing between a BS and a BA in anthropology, it’s important to consider your interests and career goals. If you’re drawn to the scientific and mathematical aspects of the field, including evolutionary anthropology, bioarcheology or specialized areas of archaeology, the BS degree will be a good fit. On the other hand, if you're more interested in exploring human behavior through archaeology or sociocultural anthropology, or if you prefer a general overview of the field without focusing on a specialty, the BA degree will be ideal for you.

Both the BA and BS programs 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 health

This justice studies degree is a social science-based undergraduate program that examines justice and social inquiry from diverse perspectives. As a justice studies major, you’ll analyze how the definition of justice changes based on classical, contemporary, domestic and global contexts.

This degree is ideal if you want to understand what justice is and how to achieve it, as well as have the desire to drive social transformation.

The skills you’ll develop in this program

This justice studies degree provides you with tools to understand and achieve justice in the U.S. The curriculum includes classic and contemporary philosophies and theories of justice. You’ll gain a broad foundation in social science, the humanities and other focus areas needed for success in the field.

This program will prepare you for a wide range of career paths in law, government, politics, education and more. You’ll develop valuable, transferable skills, such as critical thinking, oral and written communication, collaboration, critical analysis, digital technology and intercultural fluency.

What’s the difference between a BA and a BS in justice studies?

This BA is very similar to ASU’s BS in justice studies online. The primary difference between these two programs is the foreign language requirement in this BA program.

Additionally, if you have an interest in social science, you may lean toward the Bachelor of Arts. If you want to prioritize statistical analysis and quantitative inquiry in your studies, the Bachelor of Science may be better for you.

If you’re interested in pursuing a law degree, earning a BA or a BS justice studies degree will provide a well-rounded education that prepares you for law school. You'll gain abstract thinking skills, the ability to interpret texts and a high reading comprehension, which will help on your Law School Admission Test (LSAT). You'll also learn to think reasonably and logically, which law schools typically look for in candidates.

It’s important to note this isn’t a criminology program. It doesn’t prepare you for a career in criminal justice.

Data science is an interdisciplinary area between statistics, mathematics and computer science. This degree prepares you to be a critical analyst and user of data in a variety of areas such as business, research and government.

This program also focuses on the ethical production and use of data. Utilizing cutting-edge trends in data, you’ll gain a strong mathematics background to understand how it works. You’ll learn from esteemed faculty who are performing their own research in the areas of probability, statistics, scientific computing, applied math and more.

Designed to support your career goals, you can choose a focus area and complete six courses tailored to relevant topics. Available tracks include:

• Behavioral science: This track positions you for data science careers centered on human behaviors and attitudes, cognitive science, human development and medicine. It also prepares you for graduate training in quantitative psychology, human development, education and biostatistics.
• Bioscience: In this track, you’ll learn how to apply computational skills to life sciences research.
• Business analytics: This track teaches you how to be an effective data scientist within a business environment.
• Computer science: In this track, you’ll build enhanced programming and data skills, with a focus on information assurance.
• Mathematics: This track provides a broad set of data science skills. In addition to providing you a solid background in statistics and computational and applied math required for solving engineering problems, this track also trains you for practical solutions regarding databases, agricultural and environmental data, and more.
• Social science: This track provides you with the knowledge and skills to understand and analyze how macro-scale patterns of organization and social structures emerge from individual behavior and decentralized decision-making.
• Spatial science: This track offers you a unique angle for analyzing the world with geospatial big data that’s being generated in real-time today.

What data science skills will I learn?

You’ll develop data-related skills beneficial to solving practical issues in a variety of fields. You’ll learn how modern science and technology use sophisticated mathematical, statistical and computational tools to extract patterns from large, complex and often unordered data sets. You’ll also become proficient in:

• Machine learning and data mining.
• Personalizing medical treatments based on a tumor’s unique genetic profile.
• Technologies with applications as diverse as detecting fraudulent online credit card transactions.
• Understanding the dynamic of social movements.

Additionally, you’ll expand your teamwork, critical thinking, programming, research and coding skills.

Data science: An in-demand, high-paying career

There’s a high need for those who can think critically and provide analysis of the world around them through large data sets. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for data scientists was $108,020 in 2023. And employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Earning an online data science degree and becoming a proficient user and producer of data prepares you to be a strong candidate for these roles. From predicting consumer behavior to extracting information from medical images and more, you’ll graduate ready for a career that inspires global change.

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 Science in computational life sciences.

This multifaceted program focuses on the experience of African-descended people in the past and present. You’ll examine pre-colonial Africa, the trans-Atlantic slave trade and African migration in history-based courses. The program places a special emphasis on studying the African diaspora, or the communities of African-descended people around the world resulting from migration.

Courses in this program also explore the culture, art, histories and politics of communities across the African diaspora in the Americas, Caribbean, Europe and continental Africa. You’ll also delve into the impact of institutional racism around the world. In a critical race theory course, you’ll examine how race is used, constructed and contested in America. Elective courses focus on racism in fields such as medicine, criminal justice, politics and education.

The skills you’ll develop in this program

This program bridges the humanities, social sciences and arts, and you'll learn a wide range of skills from these disciplines. Your courses will teach you how to combine information from various fields to analyze and solve complex problems. You'll also develop strong research abilities, cultural communication skills and diversity awareness. These skills will prepare you to lead efforts to build more equitable workplaces and environments across society.

What can you do with an African and African American Studies degree?

The interdisciplinary nature of this program means you’ll gain valuable transferable skills that apply to many career opportunities. You’ll be well-equipped for jobs focused on communication, social policy or diversity awareness. Upon graduation, you may also pursue an advanced degree in a related field such as sociology, political science or law.

Religious studies is rooted in the humanities and fosters an appreciation for how humans express themselves through religious beliefs, practices and traditions. The academic study of religion can illuminate the complex relationships between religion, social structures, political power and globalization. 

Many degrees in religious studies focus on Christianity, with an emphasis upon preparation for Christian ministry. Differently, ASU’s religious studies degrees are global and comparative, examining multiple traditions, religions, practices and beliefs, including but not limited to Christianity. 

As a religious studies major, you’ll analyze how the study of religion has shaped the modern world. You’ll learn how religion influences political culture, communal formation, nationalism and citizenship in local and global contexts. You’ll also gain theoretical training and research skills needed to analyze the role religion has in shaping political values, social movements and communal norms.

Is the religion, politics and global affairs concentration right for me?

If you’re interested in exploring religion’s impact on all aspects of life, this program may be a great fit. Throughout this program, you’ll examine cultural diversity and investigate issues from different perspectives. Your coursework may cover a variety of themes, such as bodily norms, dietary practices and the rites marking life transitions.

ASU Online also offers a BA in religious studies with a concentration in religion, culture and public life. While both concentrations analyze the impact of religion in society, the religion, politics and global affairs concentration provides a broader and more contemporary analysis of political movements, international relations and ethical trends across societies. In comparison, the religion, culture and public life concentration focuses on in-depth examinations of specific places and times, as well as particular religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.

An online chemistry degree provides a foundation of knowledge applicable to a variety of career paths, such as forensics, environmental sciences, teaching and more.

Grounded in physical science, this liberal arts degree complements a range of other interests and may be a good option for those looking to earn an additional degree. For example, chemistry can be combined with law for patent work, with economics for sales and marketing careers and with computer science for careers in bioinformatics and computational chemistry. Additionally, this degree is often pursued by those who are interested in teaching science at K-12 levels.

If you’re looking to pursue a scientific research career, you should consider ASU Online's Bachelor of Science in biochemistry instead. Those looking to pursue a career in health care should consider the Bachelor of Science in medicinal chemistry. For more information about pre-health education and ASU’s tailored pre-health advisor program, please visit our pre-health website.

The skills you’ll gain from a BA in chemistry

Both the lectures and lab courses in this online chemistry degree equip you with problem solving and critical thinking skills that are beneficial for nearly any career path you choose.

Upon graduation, you’ll be well-versed in specialized chemistry knowledge and competencies, such as:

• Compound analysis.
• Laboratory experiment procedures.
• Material structure and composition.
• Nanoscience.
• Scientific language and citations.
• Substance analysis at the molecular level.
• Synthesizing materials.
• Toxicology processes.

Gain hands-on experience with our in-person chemistry labs

In this program, you’ll complete both online and in-person lab courses. Organic chemistry includes a seven-day in-person lab component, while biochemistry requires five days. These on-campus sessions take place in the summer and provide valuable hands-on experience needed to pursue a variety of chemistry career paths.

Courses also feature eScience lab kits delivered to your home. These experiences equip you with essential technical skills and strengthen your ability to work in teams in a lab setting. After conducting experiments, you’ll analyze and document your work using scientific language and citations.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), this program delivers the critical thinking, team-building, communication and information technology skills needed to thrive in your career. All of that, plus close ties with major local, national and international accounting firms, provide a competitive edge in the job market. Upon graduating from this program, you’ll be prepared for careers in public, corporate and governmental accounting or personal financial planning and portfolio analysis.

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 Accountancy and Data Analytics (MACC)

Please note, this program is not available to students with BA, BS or MS degrees in accountancy, and the courses are not available to non-degree students.

Will this degree support me in becoming a CPA?

The CPA designation isn’t critical for all accounting career paths, but becoming a CPA could be advantageous in the accounting profession. CPA requirements are set by each state, and all states require a minimum total of 150 credit hours. Students are encouraged to review the requirements of the state(s) in which they intend to seek a CPA license. Each state has a board of accountancy that can provide this information. Visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) for additional information.

The skills you’ll gain in this bachelor’s in accounting

This program explores authentic business processes and strategies, including the latest software and technologies. In your courses, you’ll study database analysis, financial reporting and analysis, federal income taxation and ways to use accounting data for internal decision-making processes. You’ll also gain a range of transferable skills, such as:

• Critical thinking
• Ethical decision making
• Problem solving
• Written and oral communication

In this program, you’ll learn through a combination of courses and hands-on learning experiences. You’ll also gain an understanding of how living organisms interact with the natural world, as well as how to reduce human interference with these natural processes. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with a wide skill set applicable to a variety of areas of conservation biology and ecology, such as:

• Animal and plant physiology
• Behavioral ecology
• Community and landscape ecology
• Population biology
• Restoring degraded ecosystems

This program’s innovative courses enable new ways of learning and applying skills. Narrative storytelling tools such as Dreamscape Learn allow you to explore virtual worlds as a scientific investigator. In this interactive 2D environment, you’ll gather and analyze data to solve realistic problems in biology. Actively participating in the story will deepen your understanding and strengthen your problem-solving skills. Additional practical learning opportunities may include at-home lab kits, in-person lab sessions, internships and research.

Understanding conservation ecology

Conservation ecology is an applied science that focuses on preserving biological diversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems. Conservation ecologists are concerned with evaluating and reducing the human impact on Earth’s biodiversity. In the field and at the policy level, ecologists use practical strategies to mitigate risks of species extinction and promote the sustainable use of biological resources.

Conservation ecology involves a multipronged approach: Protecting the integrity of existing ecosystems, investigating causes for degradation and reestablishing optimal conditions. The work of conservation ecologists reaches a wide array of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, rivers, urban landscapes, wetlands and more.

Does this program prepare for roles in wildlife conservation and wildlife biology?

Yes, this program can support a variety of career opportunities in the field, such as park ranger, fish and wildlife biologist, soil conservationist and more. Some conservation and wildlife biology roles, such as those in academia and research, require additional study and training.

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 biology
• Master of Science in computational life sciences

Biology plays an integral part in our social context. And as a biology and society major, you’ll study science from a humanities perspective. Biological research may impact society in diverse ways, such as adapting water systems, curing human diseases and protecting our planet.

The biology and society concentration curriculum covers bioethics, conservation, ecology, genomics and more. You'll engage in scientific inquiry and investigate ethical, historical, philosophical and social issues. It also explores the impact of biology on humanity and our environment. Additionally, you'll learn about past and present controversies of applications of biology, including gene editing, human cloning and stem cell research.

This program’s innovative courses enable new ways of learning and applying skills. Narrative storytelling tools such as Dreamscape Learn allow you to explore virtual worlds as a scientific investigator. In this interactive 2D environment, you’ll gather and analyze data to solve realistic problems in biology. Actively participating in the story will deepen your understanding and strengthen your problem-solving skills. Additional practical learning opportunities may include at-home lab kits, in-person lab sessions, internships and research.

The career paths and master’s programs this degree prepares you for

Studying biology ethics gives you a diverse skill set applicable to a variety of careers. Upon graduating, you’ll have quantitative reasoning and scientific abilities, as well as intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. You’ll relate biological concepts to social and historical problems and know how to communicate science ethically. These competencies have proven to be instrumental in both biological and humanities careers. Potential career fields for graduates include environmental law, public policy and public health.

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 biology
• Master of Science in computational life sciences