Program Overview

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Applied Math for the Life and Social Sciences (Complex Adaptive Systems Science), PhD

Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy program in applied mathematics for the life and social sciences focuses on training researchers to analyze scientific questions at the intersection of the mathematical, life, and social sciences. Graduates of the program make innovative and far-reaching scientific contributions that rely on advanced computational mathematical and modeling approaches.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation

Required Core

• AML 610 Topics in Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences (3)
• AML 612 Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences Modeling Seminar (3)

Concentration Courses

• ASM 570 Fundamentals of CAS Science (3) or BIO 570 Fundamentals of CAS Science (3)
• Complex adaptive systems science approaches course (3)

Restricted Electives

• Biostatistics course (3)
• Numerical analysis course (3)
• Life sciences and social sciences (6)

Electives

• Research (12 credit hours)
  • AML 592/792 Research (12)
• Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
  • AML 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information

Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of complex adaptive systems sciences approaches courses required for the concentration. For required research, other 592/792 Research courses may be substituted with academic unit approval. When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 hours of coursework is made up of electives to reach the required 84 credit hours.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• A bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• 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
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement outlining educational and professional goals
• Current curriculum vitae or resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• 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, 03/01, Final
  • Session A/C: In Person, 12/01, Priority

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

The degree program in applied mathematics for the life and social sciences prepares graduates to enter the environmental, life, health, mathematical, and social science fields. Graduates of the program possess the quantitative, scientific, and analytical skills that are critical for professionals working in these areas. The need for scientists and professionals quantitatively trained in the life and social sciences is strong in Arizona and the nation. This degree's applied use of mathematics, modeling, statistics, and simulation methodologies are in high demand and provide excellent training for future academics and professionals in industries including:

• Bioinformatics
• Computational sciences
• Ecology
• Genomics
• Mathematical analysis
• Mathematical epidemiology
• Nonlinear dynamics
• Population dynamics
• Social science fields

STEM-OPT for International Students on F-1 Visas

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.