Biology (Complex Adaptive Systems Science), PhD
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
Degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy program in biology with a concentration in complex adaptive systems science prepares you to be a part of the next generation of scientists, training you in the advanced concepts and methods needed for approaching diverse phenomena in the social and life sciences.
The program is tightly integrated with diverse, ongoing university-wide research at Arizona State University on complex adaptive system science. It emphasizes the value of a complex adaptive perspective to give you better insight and a more active role in seeking solutions to a broad array of critical issues facing society today. You become fluent in the common language of complexity while also receiving a solid foundation in the domain knowledge of existing academic disciplines.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Student doctoral dissertations should include the application of complex adaptive systems concepts and methods in their field of study, and candidates typically have a member of the complex adaptive systems science graduate faculty as a member of the doctoral supervisory committee.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit the following: Additional Application Information Only students admitted to participating doctoral programs may apply for a complex adaptive systems concentration. A letter of application from the student must be sent to the chair of the complex adaptive systems science graduate faculty. The application is reviewed by members of the graduate faculty who make final admission recommendations to the Graduate College.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
A doctorate in biology with a concentration in complex adaptive systems science displays strong preparation for academic careers at every level, from community colleges to research universities. The skills and knowledge graduates obtained in this program are also valuable in government careers with federal and state agencies responsible for wildlife management and conservation and for careers in industry and nongovernmental organizations.
Career examples include:
- food, agriculture and health care scientists in academic, private and industrial labs
- principal investigators in government labs and nonprofit organizations
- professors or instructors in universities and colleges
- science teachers in elementary and high schools
- wildlife, animal and conservation scientists
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
sols.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
