Program Overview

Overview of the Master of Science in Complex Systems Science

The Master of Science in Complex Systems Science at Arizona State University focuses on theoretical foundations, modeling, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the importance of direct experience through research in the context of complex systems science. This program is the first of its kind and, through the curriculum, students gain the ability to understand the interconnections within and between technological, economic, societal, biomedical, and environmental systems. Upon graduation, students have the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to practical and theoretical solutions in a vast number of areas.

What is Complex Systems Science?

Complex systems science is the study of interactions among components that form a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. It involves understanding how these interactions create emergent properties and enable complex adaptive systems to grow and adapt to a constantly changing environment.

Complex Adaptive Systems

Complex adaptive systems are formed when different types of components interact in networks to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Examples include living organisms, ecosystems, corporations, societies, cities, and even the human body. These systems are organized as groups of components nested within components and transmit and process information, enabling them to grow, evolve, adapt, and die.

Skills Learned with a Complex Systems Science Master's Degree

Students learn about the fundamental properties that underlie all complex adaptive systems and how interactions among system components determine how these systems grow and change. They develop cutting-edge digital skills like modeling and network science that are needed to understand and manage complex adaptive systems. A master's in complex system science equips students with unique insights and tools for problem-solving and critical thinking.

Career Opportunities

The need to better understand complex systems is widely recognized, and career options are available in fields including computer and mathematical sciences, life, physical and social sciences, healthcare, public policy, economics, and engineering. Complex systems science is foundational for all attempts to understand risk and security.

Program Courses

The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• Fundamentals of Complex Systems Science: Collectives
• Fundamentals of Complex Systems Science: Computation
• Fundamentals of Complex Systems Science: Evolution
• Methods for Complex Systems Science: Agent-Based Modeling
• Methods for Complex Systems Science: Dynamical Systems
• Methods for Complex Systems Science: Network Analysis
• Methods for Complex Systems Science: Statistics and Dimensionality Reduction
• Bio-Inspired AI and Optimization

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures. They must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program or in the last 12 units of their post-baccalaureate transcript. All applicants must submit a graduate admission application and application fee, official transcripts, a personal statement, an up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume, and three letters of recommendation.

Tuition and Fees

Students can estimate their full-time or part-time tuition fees using the tuition calculator. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Accreditation and Rankings

Arizona State University is recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations. It is ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT, and is the #1 university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.