Master of Science in Actuarial Science (STEM)

at Kaplan Group - Arizona State University - Tempe Campus USA

The meteorology-climatology concentration under the BS program in geography is designed to meet the requirements for certification as a meteorologist by the National Weather Service. It covers dynamic as well as synoptic meteorology.

Students gain a focused understanding of weather, climate and the various related methods of measurement and instrumentation. Required courses include atmospheric physics, operational weather forecasting, three semesters of calculus and two semesters of calculus-based physics.

The BSE program in computer systems engineering focuses on the analysis, design, testing, integration and evaluation of hardware and software systems. The curriculum is grounded in many engineering disciplines, including the applications of science and technology to the design of:

• Computer architecture
• Cybersecurity
• Digital circuits
• Distributed and embedded systems
• Networking
• Operating systems

Students engage in the design of integrated hardware and software solutions for computing, communication and control applications. They practice many aspects of engineering activities, such as the development of:

• Computer networks
• Embedded and ubiquitous systems
• High-performance computer systems
• Individual digital components

Students become skilled at interfacing different pieces of hardware and software components and integrating systems and products with new capabilities and improved quality and performance.

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 MS program in communication disorders prepares students to become certified speech language pathologists in a full-time residential program that can be completed in 20 months. The program trains students to evaluate and treat clients with speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders.

The first year develops knowledge and skills for the assessment and treatment of communication disorders in people of all ages. Students complete clinical practicum with clinical faculty educators. In the second year, students acquire additional clinical skills with two full semesters of external placements.

This program offers research and clinical opportunities in different settings, including inpatient and outpatient medical sites, public schools, early intervention programs and private practices. A part-time employment program is available for speech-language pathology assistants in public schools. Those seeking specialized training can pursue a multicultural and multilingual certificate.

The MS in American Indian studies is a transdisciplinary program that provides students with an intellectual and practical understanding of the issues facing American Indian populations and the ability to apply that knowledge. Students acquire problem-solving skills useful in a range of professional arenas, including governmental, private and nonprofit agencies.

The program focuses on languages, cultures, arts, activism, histories, legal policy and education from an American Indian studies paradigm and perspective. Delivery is through in-person courses.

The tribal leadership and governance concentration explores traditional and modern concepts of Indian education leadership, tribal government leadership, tribal governments, decision-making and legislation, constitutional reform, planning, economic development, community development, nation rebuilding, tribal courts, administration and planning.

The BFA program in art with a concentration in animation prepares students to excel in the field of animation.

Animation students are provided an education that simultaneously sustains tradition and fosters innovation through embracing new visualization methodologies and tools with the potential to advance discoveries and insights across disciplines.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are able to demonstrate the technical and artistic abilities to create animations for exhibition in arts venues (galleries, museums, festivals, etc.) and in entertainment media-arts industries. They also are prepared to pursue advanced research in graduate animation programs.

The mission of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is to create works of art, explore the history and traditions of art production, understand more about art's function in society and promote national and international recognition for research and creative activities while fostering cultural development in the community.

The BA in art with a concentration in art studies is a multidisciplinary program with a broad educational foundation in the arts and General Studies and a curriculum unparalleled in its scope of course offerings from across the university.

This concentration offers students a great deal of flexibility in planning coursework. Students, in consultation with faculty advisors, can design a course of study focused on their individual aspirations. This uniquely open degree program features coursework in art history, studio art, and a range of arts-related topics, including performing arts and the history of performance, and such fields as African and African American studies, American Indian studies, history, languages and literature, and women's studies.

The BA program in communication is a broad-based program that trains individuals to speak and write competently, manage relationships well, problem-solve effectively and understand the role and function of communication in public forums, organizational settings, relational exchanges and intercultural situations.

The curriculum provides an extensive understanding of the practical, theoretical and professional distinctions of today's field of communication. Utilizing the nationally recognized CommLabASU, students perform in-depth study of what contributes to and detracts from effective human communication, recognizing that the art of communication is far more nuanced than simple speaking and writing prowess.

Students may pursue one or more focus areas that are designed to amplify their academic and professional preparation in specific contexts.

The BSE program in aerospace engineering provides students with an education in technological areas critical to the design and development of aerospace vehicles and systems.

The astronautics curriculum covers:

• Attitude determination and control
• Elective topics in aeronautics
• Gas dynamics
• Orbital mechanics
• Rocket propulsion
• Space environment
• Space structures
• Telecommunications.

Students in the astronautics concentration culminate their major study with a capstone design project that incorporates the multiple disciplines involved in the creation of a space-going vehicle.

Modern science and technology use sophisticated mathematical and computational tools to extract patterns from large, complex and often unordered data sets. Machine learning and data mining are invaluable technologies with applications as diverse as detecting fraudulent online credit-card transactions, understanding the dynamics of social movements, and personalizing medical treatments based on a tumor's unique genetic profile.

The BS degree program in data science prepares students to be critical analysts and users of data in a variety of areas such as business, research and government. This transdisciplinary program allows students to choose a focus area from a variety of fields to center their understanding of data science. With a mathematical core consisting of linear algebra, statistical inference and classification, data mining, machine learning and associated computer methods, students leave the program with a strong background in data-related skills that are useful in solving real-world issues.