Master of Arts in Educational Policy

at Kaplan Group - Arizona State University - Tempe Campus USA

The BA program in earth and environmental studies provides a foundational understanding of the evolution of the earth system with an emphasis on the planetary context for sustainable human societies.

The degree program includes broad training in the physical sciences, especially process-oriented geosciences that focus on Earth's life-sustaining surface environment. Advanced courses focus on topics including:

• Climate change
• Earth's water, energy and material resources
• Impact of land-use change on human civilization
• Physical, chemical and biological process interactions that define Earth's evolution

This is designed as a liberal arts program with an emphasis on basic scientific literacy, not as a preparatory degree program for graduate study in the natural sciences.

The MS program in molecular and cellular biology focuses on the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life. It encourages interdisciplinary, innovative, world-class research, allowing students to choose from a diverse range of research and training opportunities that extend beyond the traditional boundaries of biological research.

The MAS in geographic information systems is a compact, one-year degree program fostering advanced study in the management and use of GIS technology in public and corporate environments. The degree program meets important educational needs of working professionals and recent college graduates seeking to improve their career standing. The program provides a comprehensive professional program that balances work in the theoretical and technical aspects of GIS with the applications domain. Students are exposed to innovative technology with a focus on building invaluable problem-solving skills, and the opportunity to work on real-world GIS projects.

The program places the focus on location --- the heart of geography and GIS. From that foundation, students learn advanced modeling solutions in GIS and Earth-observing as well as how to integrate computer science, statistics and geography to address a multitude of questions.

Small class sizes ensure quality attention from the faculty, and classes are held in the evening during the week, allowing flexibility for the working professional. The degree is achievable in a one-year time period. A new cohort begins the program each August, with students attending evening classes during the fall and spring semesters. Upon completion of the spring semester, students select a project to complete during a summer eight-week session. Final presentations take place in mid-July, and in fewer than 11 months the degree program is complete.

The MA program in classical liberal education and leadership is an integrated, interdisciplinary course of study that is student-learning centered, employing the Socratic method of classroom dialogue. This Master of Arts degree program fosters a learning community of students and faculty oriented to the classical, holistic pursuit of knowledge.

The curriculum focuses on philosophy, politics, literature, ethics, economics and history. It combines theory and practice with ideas and application, incorporating inquiry about the good life with the practical challenge of leading others --- nations, societies and individuals --- in the pursuit of a way of life that accords with the precepts of justice and the ethos of humanity.

Intellectual, moral and civic education are understood to be component parts of a genuine liberal education; all are necessary for the flourishing of the individual and society. As Aristotle taught, there is no substitute for doing the right thing in the right way. This is true in how children are educated, neighbors are lived with, and nations are governed. The classical liberal education and leadership program aims to prepare the next generation's teachers, scholars, civic leaders and statesmen to meet the challenges ahead with foresight, integrity, prudence and imagination.

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.

Physics is concerned with the nature, structure and interactions of matter and radiation.

The BS degree program in physics provides students a solid foundation in physical science and mathematics, which is appropriate for further graduate study in physics, other sciences or engineering programs.

The chemical engineering faculty offer a graduate program leading to the MS in chemical engineering.

Areas of research emphasis include atmospheric aerosols, biomolecular engineering, biosensors, chemical therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, electrochemistry, electronic materials processing, engineering education, flexible display technology, fuel cells, inorganic membranes, process design and operations, protein synthesis, transport phenomena in living systems and water purification.

A graduate handbook detailing information on graduate studies in chemical engineering is available on the school website. For additional details, students should contact the Graduate Advising Office in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy.

The MIA is a studio-based degree that provides a focused experience for students with an undergraduate degree in interior design or architecture. For students without this background, an additional three semesters of study are available.

Focusing on the development of groundbreaking design solutions to contemporary and emergent societal issues, such as sustainability and community engagement, this program draws upon history, theory and criticism to inform a collaborative, evidence-based approach to the design of interior environments. This provides a foundation of transdisciplinary learning to assist in the understanding of integrated practice.

The Master of Interior Architecture degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Completion of the degree qualifies a graduate to seek work experience as an interior designer and then sit for the National Council of Interior Design Qualification examination.

The MA program in theatre introduces students to graduate study in the field of theatre and performance studies and provides a broad base of knowledge in the areas of history, theory, dramaturgy, research methods and practice.

Students have the opportunity to tailor their plan of study to specific research pathways and artistic subject areas such as performance studies, history and historiography, theory, dramatic writing, theatre for youth, performance as research, technology in performance, drama for teaching and learning, dramaturgy, devising, directing, civic engagement and performance.

The program is designed for those who wish to ultimately enter a doctoral program, for K-12 educators seeking to expand and amplify their expertise, and for those seeking to advance their knowledge of theatre and performance studies.

The BMus in performance with a concentration in jazz prepares students for professional careers and leadership roles in jazz and related fields of contemporary music by promoting flexible musicianship and an understanding of the jazz tradition.

The curriculum includes course offerings in jazz performance, composition, arranging, history, theory, aural skills and pedagogy and is designed to incentivize artistic expression, innovation, and the exploration of blues-based improvisation, bebop, Latin jazz, swing and soul music.

Students in the ASU jazz studies program find an abundance of performance opportunities in the many university ensembles and professional groups that perform in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.