Program Overview

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Complex Adaptive Systems Science Graduate Certificate

The Complex Adaptive Systems Science graduate certificate is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to bridge disciplines and tackle complex global challenges. This certificate program can be pursued alongside any doctoral degree program at Arizona State University.

Program Description

Complex adaptive systems science is the study of interactive and dynamic systems that change over time, producing their own emergent properties. The program trains the next generation of scientists in advanced concepts and methods necessary for approaching diverse phenomena in the social and life sciences. Students become fluent in the common language of complexity while also receiving a solid foundation in the domain knowledge of existing academic disciplines.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

The certificate requires 15 credit hours, including:

• Required Core (3 credit hours): CAS 570 Fundamentals of CAS Science (3)
• Electives (12 credit hours):
  • Approved course on methods for complex adaptive system science (3)
  • Approved course on mathematics for complex adaptive system science (3)
  • Approved course on applying complex adaptive systems science in the student's field of study (3)
  • Research or dissertation applying complex adaptive system science approaches in the student's doctoral research electives (3)

Additional Curriculum Information

Students should contact the academic unit about appropriate coursework. Students pursuing the certificate must have a complex adaptive systems science faculty member on their supervisory committee. They must also take three research hours in their doctoral discipline with a complex adaptive systems science faculty member.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• 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 are either enrolled in or accepted into an ASU doctoral degree program and they must be in good standing within the program.
• 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:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of intent
  • Letter of support from an ASU faculty member (for existing ASU students) or other faculty member (for incoming students)
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Session A/C, In Person, Rolling
• Spring: Session A/C, In Person, Rolling

Global Opportunities

Studying 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.

Career Opportunities

A complex systems approach to the program means graduates possess the ability to understand the interconnections within and between technological, economic, societal, biomedical, and environmental systems and have developed advanced digital skills like modeling and network science. This gives them an edge in diverse careers in science, technology, and data analytics, especially compared with peers in their field of study who lack such expertise.

• Career area examples:
  • Business intelligence analytics
  • Consulting
  • Corporate social responsibility and sustainability
  • Data and microsystem engineering
  • Data science
  • Education
  • Military intelligence systems
  • Nongovernmental and nonprofit work
  • Policymaking in government and regulatory agencies
  • Research and development

Program Benefits

The Complex Adaptive Systems Science graduate certificate provides students with a unique set of skills that can be applied to a wide range of fields and professions. By understanding complex systems and developing advanced digital skills, graduates can tackle complex global challenges and pursue careers in science, technology, and data analytics. The program's interdisciplinary approach and focus on complex adaptive systems science make it an ideal choice for students looking to gain a competitive edge in their field.