Program Overview

Biology (Complex Adaptive Systems Science), PhD

Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy 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.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

The program requires 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.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Eligibility: Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• GPA requirement: 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.
• Application materials:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency
• Additional requirements: 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.

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.

Career Opportunities

A doctorate in biology with a concentration in complex adaptive systems science displays 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

Research Areas

The program focuses on complex adaptive systems science, including complexity, social complexity, social evolution, genomics, and is approved for STEM-OPT extension.