Sustainability (Complex Adaptive Systems Science), PhD
Program Overview
The Sustainability (Complex Adaptive Systems Science) PhD program at ASU trains scientists in advanced concepts and methods to address sustainability challenges. It emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, sustainability leadership, and environmental management, with 100% of employed alumni working in sustainability-related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- **Focuses on both sustainability and complex adaptive systems science.
- **Trains the next generation of scientists in advanced concepts and methods to approach diverse social and life sciences phenomena.
- **Grounded in concrete examples and applications.
- **Emphasis on transdisciplinary approach to solve sustainability challenges.
- **Promotes communication across disciplines, to policymakers, and the public.
- **Develops critical thinking skills for a systems perspective and effective interdisciplinary teamwork.
- **Meets the need for more robust theories and sophisticated methods to understand complex adaptive systems.
- **Prepares graduates to lead research and address the urgent sustainability challenges of the century.
Outline:
- Total credit hours: 86
- Required Core (8 credit hours):
- SOS 510: Perspectives on Sustainability (3)
- SOS 520: Research Design and Methods for Sustainability (3)
- SOS 589: Community of Graduate Student Scholars (2)
- Solutions Workshop Electives (6 credit hours):
- Open Electives (36 credit hours):
- Concentration (12 credit hours):
- CASS fundamentals (3)
- Mathematics of CASS (3)
- Modeling CASS (3)
- Application of CASS approaches (3)
- Research (12 credit hours):
- SOS 792: Research (12)
- Culminating Experience (12 credit hours):
Careers:
- Graduates are prepared for careers in:
- Research
- Chief Sustainability Officer
- Energy Engineer
- Environmental Economist
- Environmental Restoration Planner
- Environmental Sciences Professor
- Industrial Ecologist
- Natural Science Manager
- Professor
- Program Director
- Research Scientist
- Sustainability Consultant
Other:
- **The program is eligible for the STEM-OPT extension for international students.
- **The program is offered in-person at the Tempe campus.
- **The program offers global opportunities through study abroad programs.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of intent
- three letters of recommendation
- resume or curriculum vitae
- proof of English proficiency
The statement of intent should not exceed 600 words and should describe:
- how the applicant's background will contribute to success in the program
- how completion of the degree will support the applicant's long-term career goals
- why the applicant is applying to the College of Global Futures and, more specifically, the doctoral program with a complex adaptive systems science concentration
- The statement of intent should elaborate on key research questions the applicant wishes to address or problems they wish to solve as part of the plan of study, and it should identify potential faculty advisors.
At least one letter should be academic in nature.
