Complex Systems Science, MS

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Complex Systems Science at Arizona State University equips students with the knowledge and skills to address complex challenges in various sectors. Through a comprehensive curriculum focusing on theoretical foundations, modeling, and problem-solving, graduates develop the ability to analyze complex systems, identify patterns, and propose innovative solutions. The program prepares students for diverse career paths in business intelligence, consulting, data science, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Description:

The Master of Science in Complex Systems Science (MS) program at Arizona State University (ASU) aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to address complex challenges across various sectors, including health, economics, urban development, and social issues. Through a comprehensive curriculum focusing on theoretical foundations, modeling, problem-solving, critical thinking, and research experience, graduates develop the ability to analyze complex problems, identify patterns, ask relevant questions, collaborate effectively, and propose innovative solutions.

Objectives:

The program seeks to:

• Provide students with a deep understanding of complex systems principles and methodologies.
• Enhance students' problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Develop students' ability to model complex systems and analyze data.
• Foster collaboration and communication skills through teamwork and research involvement.
• Equip students with knowledge and skills applicable to diverse career paths in various fields.

Coursework:

The curriculum comprises 30 credit hours, including the required applied project course (CAS 593). Students delve into fundamental concepts in complex systems science through core courses and choose from a range of electives to specialize in specific areas of interest.

Core Courses (15 credit hours):

• CAS 501 Fundamentals of Complex Systems Science: Evolution (3)
• CAS 502 Fundamentals of Complex Systems Science: Computation (3)
• CAS 503 Fundamentals of Complex Systems Science: Collectives (3)
• Choose two from the following:
• CAS 520 Agent Based Modeling (3)
• CAS 521 Methods for Complex Systems Science: Network Analysis (3)
• CAS 522 Methods for Complex Systems Science: Dynamical Systems (3)
• CAS 523 Methods for Complex Systems Science: Statistics and Dimensionality Reduction (3)

Electives (9 credit hours):

Students can select electives in accordance with their career aspirations and interests. Examples include:

• Advanced methods courses
• Specialized domain-specific courses
• Interdisciplinary courses across various fields

Applied Project (6 credit hours):

The culminating experience involves undertaking a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students apply the acquired knowledge and methods to address a real-world problem, conduct data analysis, and present their findings.

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

The MS in Complex Systems Science equips graduates with a unique skill set applicable to diverse career paths in various sectors:

• Business intelligence and data science
• Consulting
• Corporate social responsibility and sustainability
• Data and microsystem engineering
• Education
• Environmental systems
• Natural or health science management
• Non-governmental and nonprofit work
• Policy-making in government and regulatory agencies
• Research and development

Skills and Knowledge Gained:

The program prepares graduates with:

• Advanced digital skills like modeling and network science
• Fluency in the language of complexity
• Strong domain knowledge in various academic disciplines
• Understanding of interconnections within and between technological, economic, societal, biomedical, and environmental systems
• Critical thinking, creativity, analytical reasoning, communication, and collaboration skills
This allows them to gain practical work experience in the U.S. related to their field of study. This provides valuable experience, expanding students' global perspectives and network.