Master of Natural Science - Earth and Space Sciences (STEM)

at Kaplan Group - Arizona State University - Tempe Campus USA

The MA program in educational policy is suited for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of how to translate research to policy and practice, communicate and engage with stakeholders and propose effective research-based policies. Students also develop fundamental skills in analyzing and interpreting educational data.

This program is formatted as a cohort model. It provides a supportive environment for students to take a sequence of core courses with their peers, and to learn from professors who are experts in their fields. The program also provides students with the flexibility to select elective courses and individualize their experience to suit their unique interests and aspirations.

In the culminating experience in the final semester, students design and execute an individual or group project that utilizes their new knowledge and applied research skills.

ASU's MA program in American studies trains students in interdisciplinary approaches aimed at understanding the American experience in local and global contexts. The array of disciplines spans the arts, humanities and social sciences, and faculty expertise covers a broad range of ethnographic, historical, literary and media studies as well as interdisciplinary and community-based approaches. Given its geographical location in the American Southwest, ASU's American studies program values an exploration of diasporic and transnational influences in U.S. cultures and social and political history.

The American studies faculty have strengths and expertise in the areas of critical ethnic studies, Indigenous studies, gender studies, Black studies, immigration studies, justice studies, disability studies, queer studies, Latino studies, transborder studies, Asian American studies, cultural studies, environmental humanities and sports studies, allowing students to focus their education around these areas.

Students gain expertise from working in a community of scholars dedicated to addressing critical questions of what America means, what American studies uncovers, and how to expand the boundaries of the new American conversation. Graduate students are immersed in conversations of how one develops, conducts and engages in research on the American experience in academia and beyond. Additionally, faculty and students include the role of other nations, cultures and communities in their study of the meaning of America and critically evaluate the United States in global matters.

American studies graduates can bridge a strong theoretical foundation with applied research to better equip them to enter national and international dialogues.

The neurobiology, physiology and behavior concentration serves students in the BS program in biological sciences with a broad yet rigorous education.

While it might seem that neurobiology, physiology and behavior are quite separate fields, the three interact extensively in living organisms to achieve common goals. By studying neurobiology, behavior and physiology from the perspectives of molecular and cellular biology, evolution, organ systems (neural, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, etc.) and the environment, students gain insight into how these aspects work together in a variety of ways. Students in this concentration also learn to apply principles from mathematics, chemistry and physics. Discoveries are made at the laboratory bench and in the field, and students in the concentration are encouraged to participate in research projects in the labs of our faculty members.

The MA in sustainability is a research-oriented degree program that culminates with research writing: either a thesis or publishable scientific paper.

The program focuses on knowledge generation and investigating potential solutions to sustainability challenges and prepares students to design and conduct transdisciplinary research. Although the graduate degree programs emphasize the integration of a broad range of expertise, this program is best-suited to students inclined toward transdisciplinary science, humanities, planning or related fields and who are interested in a career in research or academia.

Students learn how different disciplines view and approach the challenges of sustainability in theory, research and practice. They develop academic and technical skills as well as ethical insights that can help them understand, research and provide solutions to complex sustainability challenges at the local, regional, national and global levels.

All program graduates understand the need for a transdisciplinary approach to solving sustainability challenges; are able to communicate their work to professionals in other disciplines and to policymakers and the general public; and have the breadth of vision to recognize the interconnectedness of social, economic, environmental and technical systems. They have the critical thinking skills necessary for approaching sustainability challenges from a systems perspective, the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, and the technical skills required to formulate and solve problems at the appropriate scale.

Combine your interests in exploration systems design and sensor networks with the strengths of science and engineering to prepare for a professional or academic career. Study computer networks, Earth-systems engineering, multidimensional signal processing, and information and random signal theory with faculty who specialize in the natural sciences and instrumentation design.

The MS program in exploration systems design with a concentration in sensor networks promotes the development and growth of engineering-literate scientists and science-literate engineers interested in the use of robotics, data science and other computational tools applied to science problems in Earth and space sciences.

Its unique curriculum combines science applications with engineering knowledge and skills through engineering and science courses focused on Earth science, space science and astrophysics. The concentration program trains students to use modern computational tools to solve the some of the most complex science problems humanity faces.

The MLSt program with a concentration in film and media studies offers students interested in a transdisciplinary approach to international human ideas and values an opportunity to expand their liberal arts background through the study of film and media in society.

The program is intended for students seeking a graduate degree that explores the integration of the humanities with political, religious, social and scientific questions within their cultural contexts.

Studies focus on the aesthetics and theory of international film and media.

The MSTP program uniquely prepares its graduates to have an impact in today's science and technology decision-making. It is designed to train future leaders, policymakers and analysts in tackling diverse and complex policy issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence in ways that are socially responsible and that contribute to a more just and vibrant future.

This cohort-based program attracts students of the highest caliber and can be completed in one year or over an extended period on a part-time basis. It is suited to anyone interested in a career in which they work to ensure, through responsive and effective policy development and implementation, that science and technology serve society. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds.

The program provides students with knowledge and tools to analyze and answer complex questions around science and technology policy issues, including:

• How are science and technology influenced by the policy process?
• What is the rightful place of scientific expertise in public policymaking?
• What values and assumptions underlie society's current understanding of science and technology?
• Who should make decisions about science and technology policy? Only experts? Or should lay people also have a voice?
• How should policymakers deal with the risks and uncertainties that come from new science and technology (e.g., biotechnology, nanotechnology, geoengineering, information technology)?
• How can policymakers balance concerns about science and technology, while maintaining innovation and international competitiveness?

Students work on topics as varied as responsible innovation, technological convergence, social and environmental sustainability, health and well-being, energy, equity, security, data privacy, infrastructure, democracy, STEM education, the role of science, and space exploration and policy. They are able to describe the historical, social and institutional foundations of science and technology policy; discuss the complexities of science and technology policy decisions, decision-making under uncertainty and the role of experts; employ effective policy communications skills and techniques; and work collaboratively and effectively with experts from different backgrounds, including scientists, engineers and elected officials.

Graduates are able to apply critical skills and methods to science and technology policy analysis, apply cutting-edge approaches to ensuring socially responsive and responsible technology innovation, and contribute to developing and implementing creative solutions to many of today's most complex challenges.

The BS program in mathematics with a concentration in secondary education provides an excellent pathway for students interested in teaching. Students acquire strong content knowledge in diverse areas of math and the skills to convey these concepts to others. This degree program offers a deeper mastery of mathematics coupled with the ability to handle the challenges of a high school classroom.

Students who wish to teach at the secondary level take courses preparing them to earn certification in the state of Arizona through this program. By providing a carefully designed curriculum of courses and instructional experiences, this program helps students develop the deep understandings and connections needed for being a highly effective mathematics teacher.

Graduates emerge equipped to provide mathematics instruction that is coherent, meaningful and challenging.

Students in the creative writing concentration of the BA program in English study and practice the art of writing poetry and fiction.

Students gain practical experience through writing workshops and internship opportunities that prepare them for an ever-expanding variety of careers in writing, publishing, editing, teaching, media and public relations. The undergraduate program also prepares students to continue their studies in graduate and professional programs.

The undergraduate program features an outstanding faculty that has published more than 80 books and has garnered national and international attention and awards.

The faculty in civil, environmental and sustainable engineering offer a graduate program leading to an MS in civil, environmental and sustainable engineering. The program is designed to enhance the knowledge gained in the undergraduate program by requiring students to understand and practice fundamental concepts in engineering, mathematics and the basic sciences.

The pattern of coursework applicable to the degree is potentially unique for each student, although it must conform to the general guidelines for subject matter content for the degree as authorized here and on the program's website. Students are admitted to one of the following specialty areas in engineering: environmental, geotechnical, hydrosystems, structural, sustainable or transportation.