Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

at Kaplan Group - Arizona State University - Polytechnic Campus USA

The BS in applied mathematics is an interdisciplinary program that provides a broad and rigorous foundation in applied mathematics. It includes a foundation in computing and statistics as well as both theoretical and applied mathematics.

The program emphasizes quantitative problem-solving and critical thinking through courses that expose students to a variety of mathematical theories, techniques and applications currently used by analysts and researchers in government, industry and nonprofit organizations.

The MS program in environmental and resource management provides students who have a background in the sciences, engineering, management, natural resources management, environmental health and safety, or other affiliated areas with the regulatory and technical background they need to mitigate the environmental impact of industrial sources of pollution, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and manage and preserve engineered and natural ecosystems.

The curriculum focuses on areas such as environmental law, water and wastewater treatment, air pollution management, solid and hazardous waste management, management of hazardous materials, soils and groundwater contamination, water law and policy, environmental toxicology, hazardous waste management, natural resources management, occupational health and safety, sustainable development, and international environmental laws and policies.

Graduate courses are available in a traditional face-to-face format as well as web-based distance learning. It is possible to complete the program within two years, including summers. Many students are working professionals and are able to finish the degree while working full time.

ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the state of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Students should check the professional licensure list for the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering to determine if this program meets requirements in their state:

The concentration program in natural resource ecology in the BS in applied biological sciences offers students the broad base of knowledge needed to sustainably manage natural resources in a variety of ecosystems.

Students learn about fundamental components of natural systems such as soils and water and the plant and wildlife communities they support. Students also learn to measure and assess plant and animal populations through a variety of field techniques and computer tools, including Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing. Knowledge and techniques are applied to case studies in the classroom and laboratory projects.

Students can apply their knowledge further by seeking undergraduate research opportunities with faculty, and internships with outside organizations and businesses.

The MS program in human systems engineering with a concentration in intelligent systems provides students with a deep understanding of the science of human performance and experience in the engineering of intelligent systems, robotics and autonomous systems industries.

Students in this program participate in courses focusing on methods and tools in applied cognitive science and foundations of human systems engineering, including uses of simulation and robotics, among other topics.

This concentration prepares students for facilitating the future of work when humans will work closely with heterogeneous technology in the military, space exploration, manufacturing, medicine and agriculture.

The MS in integrative social science is an advanced degree program designed to cross-educate students in the social sciences in order to meet the complex issues that confront human society in a technically sophisticated 21st century world.

The emphasis of the program lies in bridging traditional disciplinary boundaries to immerse students in the myriad theories and skills available across disciplines which would elude them in traditional disciplinary social science programs. Thus, graduates of the program are prepared with theory and research skill sets that allow them to draw from the best of the multiple disciplines of the social sciences.

The BA in business with a concentration in communication is an innovative, transdisciplinary program that prepares students for positions in a variety of professions in which business and communication play an important role in ensuring success.

Students complete rigorous courses within the communication concentration in addition to the skill and core courses required of all W. P. Carey School of Business majors.

Graduates have specific knowledge of business practices and the capacity to effectively communicate complex business information

The BAE program in elementary education with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics --- STEM --- has coursework designed for students looking to advance their skills in STEM disciplines and wishing to learn techniques to effectively engage K-12 learners in the 21st century. The coursework informs educators how to equip learners with the specialized STEM knowledge they need to solve challenging problems and apply critical thinking skills. The STEM program offers students a firm grounding in the language, current research and best practices in STEM education accompanied by professional experiences.

The teacher certification program for elementary education with an emphasis in STEM is clinically embedded during both the junior and senior years. Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College students complete internships during their junior year and a full time, year-long apprenticeship, known as their senior year residency, in K-8 classrooms. Coursework is designed to support the development of instructional competencies, professional skills and content knowledge. Coursework is complemented by professional experiences, which provide interns and teacher candidates opportunities to apply and reflect upon their knowledge and skills in teaming and collaborative models. Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty and highly qualified lead teachers from partner school districts and charter schools work in collaboration to support professional growth aligned to each student's personal goals. Additionally, these professional experiences provide students an opportunity to work directly with children and make an immediate impact on student achievement. This intensive, hands-on model of teacher preparation creates highly sought-after graduates and is unmatched in Arizona.

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 MSTech degree program offers a concentration in aviation management and human factors.

Students in this program are provided with professional skills and exposed to educational theory and practice for use in leadership positions within the aviation industry. Management and leadership positions at airports of all sizes require skills in labor management and policy, economics and analysis, national aerospace structure and aviation law, as well as an awareness of unmanned systems and flight operations. Those interested in the human systems and safety area find exceptional use of educational discussions on human performance and the human limitations and capabilities of working within a complex system.

Courses are offered at the Polytechnic campus, with some courses offered as iCourses.

The BA program in business with a concentration in food industry management provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for leadership roles in the global food industry.

The program has been developed in close coordination with partners in the food industry and provides the full business core plus 21 credit hours of food industry coursework.