Master of Arts in Narrative Studies

at Kaplan Group - Arizona State University - Polytechnic Campus USA

The MS program in user experience combines topics in web, human factors, visual displays and technical communication to make products, systems and services useful, usable and desirable.

Students learn how to research user needs, identify criteria for successful products and services, prototype those products and services, and refine them through usability testing and other user-centered evaluation methods. User experience skills are increasingly valued by industry yet are not typically covered in depth in traditional engineering or technical communication programs.

The BS program in human systems engineering provides students with an understanding of the science of human performance and with experience using methods and tools to apply this understanding to design and problem-solving in a wide variety of domains, such as product usability, learning design, sports performance and workplace and hospital safety.

A wide variety of professions need experts in human factors to work on problems that involve an understanding of human performance. Interest areas include user experience, aviation human factors, cognitive performance, consumer psychology, transportation human factors, patient safety, effective teamwork, health psychology, learning optimization, social cognition, threat detection and sports psychology.

The MS program in human systems engineering with a concentration in health systems provides current and future managers with the technical expertise to lead efficient health care systems by identifying needs through system modeling, field research and analytics to improve existing health care systems. This concentration program also attunes students to perform research and develop innovative approaches to transform health care from reactive to proactive systems, which reflect National Institute of Health initiatives.

The MS program in human systems engineering with a concentration in user experience research focuses on designing products that are useful, usable, desirable, easy to learn, efficient to use and easy to remember. It focuses on the research, design and validation of all system components an end user interacts with, including software user interfaces, documentation, help systems, user support, aesthetics and communication. It is an important specialization within human systems engineering with a bright job outlook.

Students may complement their education with courses in graphic information technology, technical communications and entrepreneurship to strengthen their skills in information architecture, visual design and user interface prototyping. Additionally, hands-on user experience projects in these classes help students build portfolios necessary for entry-level positions.

The MS program in information technology teaches advanced technology skills to prepare students for careers in industry, education or government.

Students gain the ability to conceptualize, organize and realize information technology projects that meet the needs of users within an organizational or societal context. Students select coursework that encompasses core technologies in one of three focus areas: computer architecture and information security, information systems management and development, and enterprise computing.

The ABET-accredited BSE program in engineering prepares graduates to collaborate across disciplines to design and build solutions to real-world problems. In the program, students apply fundamental engineering knowledge and design thinking to real projects every semester.

Students in the robotics concentration of the Bachelor of Science in engineering program build a broad engineering foundation to which they add the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute robotics subject matter expertise in transdisciplinary engineering teams. This expertise includes electromechanical systems, sensor and actuator integration, embedded digital systems application, and design and analysis of dynamic systems. The robotics curriculum also provides significant hands-on experience designing and implementing robotics systems to meet the needs of users.

The sustainable horticulture concentration within the BS program in applied biological sciences is designed for students who want theory and practical experiences in the unique aspects of the culture of plants in an urban desert environment. Students acquire the skills to produce, design and care for ornamental and edible plantscapes using sustainable technologies.

Students are prepared for a range of horticulture careers in the private and public sectors.

The ABET-accredited BSE program in engineering prepares graduates to collaborate across disciplines to design and build solutions to real-world problems. In the program, students apply fundamental engineering knowledge and design thinking to real projects every semester.

Students in the automotive systems concentration of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program first build a broad engineering foundation to which they add the skills and knowledge necessary for vehicle design and testing. The curriculum focuses on automotive engineering fundamentals, including powertrain engineering and chassis system design as well as hands-on projects that involve designing, analyzing and building actual automotive systems.

Graduates of this concentration are able to provide leadership in automotive engineering settings, especially in automotive

The BA program in business with a concentration in human resources involves both theoretical and applied concepts with a focus on practical and applied aspects of human resources. This degree is applicable to any business or governmental organization as all have a need to manage their personnel services.

Learning happens everywhere and at all ages. The BAE program in educational studies prepares students to work with children, youth and adults in formal or informal learning environments within nonprofit settings, community institutions, civic organizations and businesses. The degree program provides a foundation for students to shape society by supporting educational endeavors. Through coursework and a series of internships, students develop skills for effective communication, collaboration, leadership, advocacy and innovation, all of which are essential to education professionals.

Graduates of the program are prepared to teach others and change the face of learning throughout society.

The Bachelor of Arts in education in educational studies is intended for students seeking a career in formal or informal learning contexts. This degree does not lead to teacher certification.

Veterans may be interested in this program as credit may be offered for military service.

An educational studies minor is also available to ASU students in other degree programs.

This program does not lead to Arizona teacher certification. Students seeking teacher certification should enroll in one of the other Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College undergraduate programs.