Biology (Complex Adaptive Systems Science), PhD
Complexity, Social Complexity, Social Evolution, approved for STEM-OPT extension, genomics
The PhD program in biology with a concentration in complex adaptive systems science trains the next generation of scientists in advanced concepts and methods needed for approaching diverse phenomena in the social and life sciences.
The program is tightly integrated with diverse, ongoing university-wide research at Arizona State University on complex adaptive system science. It emphasizes the value of a complex adaptive perspective to give students better insight and a more active role in seeking solutions to a broad array of critical issues facing society today. Students become fluent in the common language of complexity while also receiving a solid foundation in the domain knowledge of existing academic disciplines.
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:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Student doctoral dissertations should include the application of complex adaptive systems concepts and methods in their field of study, and candidates typically have a member of the complex adaptive systems science graduate faculty as a member of the doctoral supervisory committee.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit the following:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- 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.
Only students admitted to participating doctoral programs may apply for a complex adaptive systems concentration. A letter of application from the student must be sent to the chair of the complex adaptive systems science graduate faculty. The application is reviewed by members of the graduate faculty who make final admission recommendations to the Graduate College.
A doctorate in biology with a concentration in complex adaptive systems science provides strong preparation for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities. The skills and knowledge graduates obtained in this program are also valuable in government careers with federal and state agencies responsible for wildlife management and conservation and for careers in industry and nongovernmental organizations.
Career examples include:
- food, agriculture and health care scientists in academic, private and industrial labs
- principal investigators in government labs and nonprofit organizations
- professors or instructors in universities and colleges
- science teachers in elementary and high schools
- wildlife, animal and conservation scientists
School of Life Sciences
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LSA 181
sols.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
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.
