Master of Liberal Studies

at Kaplan Group - Arizona State University - Tempe Campus USA

By bringing their own unique stories to life, students pursuing a degree in film and media production develop a comprehensive and practical knowledge of digital media production, an awareness of the impact of media and entertainment on audiences and culture, and an understanding of the role of the artist in society.

Students in this degree plan have access to digital cameras, lighting and sound equipment, post-production software and facilities, and other resources --- including talented and dedicated peer and faculty colleagues who will give them multiple opportunities to produce projects of exceptional quality.

Students choose one of three upper-division tracks of study: directing, producing and screenwriting, and media technology including cinematography, post-production and sound. Each course of study is supported by the degree-wide emphasis on ethical filmmaking practices, innovative creative expression and preparation for a career as an industry professional.

The BA program in Asia studies offers students the opportunity for in-depth study of East Asia, South Asia or Southeast Asia through a coherent concentration of academic study across a number of disciplines. The transdisciplinary approach provides students with a variety of intellectual tools that enable them to address contemporary political, social and cultural issues in Asia and apply their knowledge in various academic and practical settings.

The MS program in auditory and language neuroscience trains scholars in basic and applied research in the fields of auditory and language neuroscience to prepare them for doctoral-level graduate studies as well as for positions in science, health care and industry.

In addition to innovative coursework in neuroscience, this program also includes hands-on training in instrumentation such as neuroimaging, neurophysiology and clinical research applications. Students develop a strong foundation that enables them to conduct impactful neuroscience research related to auditory and language processing and human communication.

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.

In the BS program in chemistry, students take courses that give them the knowledge and skills to solve problems at the molecular level in areas as diverse as energy and sustainability, new materials for technology, medicine and health, nanoscience, environmental science, forensics, cosmetics and food chemistry.

The Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry prepares students for advanced study of chemistry and material science in competitive graduate degree programs.

The BS program in environmental design has an integrated curriculum offered primarily in a nonstudio format. The program is designed to create a deep awareness and knowledge of issues that influence the design of built environments and the design of artifacts in general.

The program of study emphasizes general knowledge and design research as well as focus areas. Focus areas include histories and theories of design; innovation, technology and design strategies; and sustainability in environmental design. The curriculum provides special understanding of theories, technologies, social issues and management aspects related to the student's chosen focus area. While studio courses cannot be taken as electives, students take career-specific design electives and the program prepares students for all graduate programs in The Design School.

This program is not a professional degree program but provides a broad base of skills and knowledge in environmental design.

The BS program in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to build dependable and secure information systems and networks and to ensure the integrity and quality of information being stored, processed and transmitted.

The Master of Computer Science program affords an opportunity for students employed in industry to seek a breadth of advanced education in computer science.

The program reflects the dual nature of computer science as a scientific and engineering discipline by allowing emphasis on theory as well as practical applications. Students can study topics such as:

• Artificial intelligence
• Big data
• Cloud and distributed computing
• Cybersecurity
• Database management and information retrieval
• Database systems
• Data mining and machine learning
• Distributed computing and operating systems
• Imaging, graphics and visualization
• Simulation modeling and systems

The MFA in creative writing at ASU has always been an unswervingly student-first program. Through small classes, intimate workshops or one-to-one mentoring, the centuries-old apprenticeship model thrives within the New American University. Poets and fiction writers work with outstanding faculty who have published more than 80 books and garnered national and international attention through awards that include:

• Guggenheim, Howard Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships
• International Griffin Poetry Prize
• Pulitzer Prize
• two Medals of Achievement from the National Society of Arts and Letters
• Walt Whitman Award from the Academy of American Poets

Additionally, in concert with the Master of Fine Arts program, the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing offers students a variety of creative and global fellowship opportunities each year, including two teaching fellowships in Singapore; two creative research fellowships to provide support for summer writing projects; and other generous forms of support that include graduate assistantships, travel scholarships, professional development support, and other teaching and leadership opportunities.

Furthermore, students have access to a variety of professional development opportunities, including serving on the editorial board of an international literary journal, Hayden's Ferry Review and internships with Four Way Books.

The BS program in biological sciences with a concentration in biology and society focuses on training biology students to understand the social context of their science and to ask how and why a biological problem has been and should be studied. Students explore the ways in which policy decisions shape and are shaped by biological research and they investigate the meaning and significance of the life sciences in understanding our complex world.

The biology and society curriculum is highly individualized. This unique degree is home to world-class researchers and teachers in diverse fields, including bioscience ethics, history and philosophy of science, science communication, science education and science policy, all brought together under one program. Students have the opportunity to work with many renowned scholars in independent study and research projects.