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 that people and nature are interconnected and influence each other? Become an advocate and leader for a new kind of science that enables you to gain a better understanding of those complexities, with the potential to positively transform society.
Complex adaptive systems science serves as a common language to fuse different intellectual disciplines and promote the transdisciplinary collaborations needed to confront the intellectual and societal challenges of the modern world. Rather than focus on specialized understanding of a limited suite of phenomena, as is common in most academic disciplines, complex adaptive systems science emphasizes the multidimensional interconnections among phenomena comprising dynamic, evolving systems. Many of the systems most critical to human life and society can be understood and studied in this way, including cells, organisms, populations, ecosystems, societies and technologies.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in complex adaptive systems science prepares students to be fluent in the language, concepts and methods of complexity needed to enable this innovative and valuable approach to the complexly coupled human and natural world. By embracing this complex systems perspective on human and natural systems --- and, importantly, the multidimensional interconnections between them --- students become advocates for and global leaders of a new kind of science that has the potential to fundamentally transform science, scholarship and society.
ASU is an international leader in complex adaptive systems science. The first of its kind, the School of Complex Adaptive Systems represents the world's leading concentration of researchers in the field --- with more than 100 participating ASU faculty across more than 10 academic units; a growing constellation of research centers; its partner institution, the Santa Fe Institute, with its resident and external faculty; as well as the collaboration with Decision Theater at ASU.
Together with Decision Theater, the School of Complex Adaptive Systems is pioneering dynamic decision environments that simulate, visualize and analyze real-world complexity with digital twins and data-driven decision-support tools. This partnership provides students with hands-on learning, transdisciplinary teamwork and real-world impact in areas such as workforce transformation, health equity and resilient development under the guidance of world-class faculty.
The collective faculty and partnerships inside and outside ASU offer a new, advanced doctoral degree program that is distinct in both its scope and level of expertise. Students benefit from the knowledge of this large group of researchers, with its distinct combination of theoretical foundations, advanced methods and practical applications in complex adaptive systems science.
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 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 a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Rob Walton College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
84 credit hours, an oral comprehensive exam, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation.
Required Core (6 credit hours) Focus Area (6 credit hours) Electives (48 credit hours) Research (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Domain science focus area: Students enhance complex adaptive science education with in-depth training in a social, life or physical science field or engineering field. This enables them to make significant contributions to their chosen domain science field from the perspective of complex adaptive systems science. Transdisciplinary bridging focus area: Students enhance their complex adaptive systems science education with knowledge of two or more social, life, or physical science fields or engineering fields. They also may augment this with advanced training in computer science and data science. The goal of this focus is to enable students to use a complex adaptive systems science perspective and framework as a bridge to intellectual fusion across multiple disciplines by applying advanced knowledge of complex adaptive systems science theory, data science and information technology.
CAS 570 Fundamentals of CAS Science (3)
CAS 571 Applications of Complex Adaptive Systems (3)
CAS 792 Research (12)
CAS 799 Dissertation (12)
All doctoral students receive rigorous, advanced training in complex adaptive systems science concepts and methods. The program offers two educational and career pathways.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Rob Walton College of Global Futures.
Applicants must 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, note how completion of the degree will support their long-term career goals, and explain why they are applying to the Rob Walton 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 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 Rob Walton College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 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 Rob Walton College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites include 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.
Graduates with knowledge and skills in complexity science have a solid foundation for understanding risk and security. They can help develop solutions to complicated challenges in fields such as sustainability, finance, social and ecological sciences, life sciences, biomedical sciences, geophysical sciences and computer science.
School of Complex Adaptive Systems
|
ECA 100
CASSgrad@asu.edu
480-727-0478
Admission deadlines
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
