Complex Adaptive Systems Science, PhD
Bioinformatics, Complexity, Computational Mathematics, Data Science, Environmental Science, Future, Global, Modeling, Simulation, Social Sciences, Sustainability, approved for STEM-OPT extension, computing, math, methods, quantitative
Do you find yourself contemplating how complex human and natural systems are, and the many ways people and nature are interconnected and influence each other? Become an advocate and leader for a new kind of science where you can gain a better understanding of those complexities with the potential to positively transform society.
Complex adaptive system concepts and methods serve as a common language to fuse different intellectual disciplines, enabling the transdisciplinary collaborations needed to come to grips with current and future intellectual and societal challenges. Rather than focus on specialized understanding of the characteristics of a limited suite of phenomena, as is common in most academic disciplines, the PhD program in complex adaptive systems science emphasizes the interconnections among phenomena comprising dynamic, evolving systems. Many of the systems most critical to human life and society can be studied and understood in this way: from cells to organisms to populations to ecosystems to societies to technologies. Graduates of this program will be fluent in the language, concepts and methods of complexity needed to apply this innovative and valuable approach to understanding and addressing challenges of the complexly coupled human and natural world in which all people live.
ASU is already an international leader in complex adaptive systems science, with a growing constellation of research centers, and now the first-of-its-kind School of Complex Adaptive Systems. By broadly embedding an understanding of complex adaptive systems approaches into scientific practice, students in the program gain the potential to transform science and society --- furthering ASU's global leadership in this emerging academic discipline. Students in the program develop skills in theoretical foundations, modeling, problem solving and critical thinking. The program promotes the development and testing of robust theory with sophisticated methods in a wide array of research settings, grounded in concrete examples and applications to provide a deeper understanding of the nature and dynamics of complex adaptive systems.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term 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 at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe
84 credit hours, an oral comprehensive exam, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation.
Required Core (3 credit hours) Focus Area (6 credit hours) Electives (51 credit hours) Research (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Domain science: Students will enhance their complex adaptive systems education with in-depth training in a social, life or physical science, or an engineering field. They are expected to be able to make significant contributions to their chosen domain science field from the perspective of complex adaptive systems science. Transdisciplinary bridging: Students will enhance their complex adaptive systems education with advanced training in computer science and data science. The goal of this focus is to enable students to use a complex adaptive systems perspective and framework as a bridge to enable intellectual fusion across multiple disciplines by applying advanced knowledge of complex adaptive systems theory, data science and information technology.
CAS 570 Fundamentals of CAS Science (3)
CAS 792 Research (12)
CAS 799 Dissertation (12)
Students select a focus area from either domain science or transdisciplinary bridging.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. The school encourages applicants with diverse educational backgrounds and experiences that are relevant to the school's core objectives.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- letter of intent
- writing sample
- three letters of recommendation
- resume or curriculum vitae
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The statement of intent should not exceed 600 words and should describe how the applicant's background will contribute to success in the program, describe how completion of the degree will support the applicant's long-term career goals, and explain why the applicant is applying to the College of Global Futures and, more specifically, the doctoral program in complex adaptive systems science. The statement of intent should elaborate on key research questions the applicant wishes to address or problems to solve as part of the plan of study, and it should identify potential faculty advisors.
Letters of recommendation must be from three people who can attest to the applicant's academic and professional achievements. At least one letter should be academic in nature.
Applicants will need to provide a writing sample that demonstrates graduate or professional-level writing.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final |
Study abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures Study Abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.
This program is the first of its kind in the U.S., and graduates will have multiple career opportunities. Complex adaptive systems science is an important part of solutions in fields such as sustainability, social and ecological sciences, life sciences, biomedical sciences, geophysical sciences and computer science. It is equally foundational for understanding risk and security.
School of Complex Adaptive Systems
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ECA A101
complexity@asu.edu
480-727-9746
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
