The College set to launch 16 new degree programs

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University is launching 16 new academic programs in fall 2024. Twelve of those programs will include online formats, expanding learning opportunities for students across the country.

Ara Austin, senior director of online engagement and strategic initiatives and a clinical associate professor in the School of Molecular Sciences, knows the importance of growing the amount of options for online students.

“The College offers online degree programs which are not offered elsewhere across natural sciences, social sciences and humanities disciplines,” she said.

“In addition to the required coursework, online students can participate in student organizations, research opportunities and internships remotely. These experiences help students to engage in the greater ASU community and set them up for success after graduation.”

One specific program overseen by Austin was created to further engage online students and offer unique experiences surrounding research opportunities. The Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) program helps students participate in research projects in a remote setting.

“Research experiences are crucial for students considering graduate programs, and it gives the students a way to immerse themselves in a specific field or topic that they are passionate about in an applied way,” Austin said.

Between online and on-ground options, The College is dedicated to creating supportive and accessible environments for all students.

Graduate certificate in American Studies: Online graduate students now have the ability to survey the complexities surrounding politics and social change in the United States. The certificate trains students in applied research methods, critical methodologies, history and the use of storytelling to represent diverse communities.  

Master of Urban and Environmental Planning: Now offered in an online platform, students from around the world can begin their career in planning in public, private, consulting, development and nonprofit sectors. This program offers the same curriculum available to on-campus students. 

BS in biological sciences (neurobiology, physiology and behavior): Online students can now dive into this concentration of biological sciences. Students will discover how animals and humans function, think and behave, and explore molecular and cellular processes of organismal systems. The program will also provide the tools necessary to understand ecological and evolutionary influences, and develop holistic approaches to animal functions. Students also have the existing on-campus option.

Minor in classics: Students wanting to expand their knowledge of the ancient world will become immersed in the language and literature of Greek and Roman antiquity through this new minor. The on-campus program includes courses in philosophy, language, art and religion to provide a background on Greek and Roman antiquity.

Minor in classical civilizations: Available for on-campus students, this minor provides a solid grounding in ancient civilization and mythology, along with an interdisciplinary introduction to the ancient world as a whole. Students can uncover insights into any major, as the goal of the program is to aid in obtaining a clearer vision of the future by studying the wisdom of the past.

BA in culture, technology and environment: Launched last year, the culture, technology and environment program on the Tempe campus became the first to draw from all three schools within the humanities division at The College. Now students will be able to engage in humanistic approaches to an array of issues through the new online degree program. The degree addresses current issues such as approaching equitable and diverse global citizenship, climate change, environmental justice and ethical disputes surrounding technology.

BS in earth and environmental sciences: The new earth and environmental sciences degree will teach students how to examine the physical sciences and process-oriented geosciences focused on Earth’s surface environment while establishing foundational understandings about the evolution of Earth’s systems. It provides another option for students, along with the existing BA in earth and environmental sciences. Both degrees have also been made available through ASU Online.

BA in English (narrative studies): A new English degree concentration will be available for students on the Tempe campus this fall. The program will dive into the various forms, contexts and cultures of narrative. Those interested in dissecting the nature of storytelling will learn methods to interrogate the social, historical, aesthetic and ethical dimensions of stories.

MA in global security (irregular warfare): The new online graduate program will allow students to focus their study topics on warfare such as proxy wars, counterinsurgency, narrative warfare and other forms of modern conflict. Courses teach both theoretical and practical aspects of irregular warfare and its importance in the global security environment.

Graduate certificate in Holocaust and genocide studies: The new online graduate certificate gives students the necessary context to further educate others about the Holocaust and other acts of genocide. This certificate helps students understand representation, memorialization and commemoration along with providing theoretical and historiographical grounding to understand the Holocaust and examining other genocides in world history.

BA in international relations: This new degree, available on the Tempe campus and online, provides students with vital knowledge of intelligence; diplomacy and international trade; law; and institutions as they head into the world of public service, and prepares them to work with some of the field’s experts and policy practitioners.

BS in international relations: Also available on the Tempe campus and online, this new degree helps students develop analytical and quantitative skills in order to take on careers in international public service. Students will learn about data-driven solutions to enact meaningful change in public, nonprofit and private sectors.

Minor in Italian: Launching this fall, the new online minor will become the first and only program of its kind in the country. Online students will now have the opportunity to learn the Italian language while enhancing their knowledge of Italian history, geography and environment. The minor also offers opportunities to study abroad to further expand linguistic skills or to engage in research collaborations. Students also have the existing on-campus option.

MS in neuroscience: A new master’s degree on the Tempe campus offers students the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge of fundamental neuroscientific concepts. Students will be able to understand the genetic, molecular, cellular and circuit-level changes that occur in the presence of neurodegenerative disease, altered development and disorders.

Graduate certificate in public history: Students looking to kick-start a career as a public historian will gain necessary and applicable skills to do so through the school’s new online graduate certificate. This program allows graduate students to explore local and community history, museum studies, archival training and more. Students also have the existing on-campus option.

Undergraduate certificate in workplace communication: This certificate available on the Tempe campus will teach participants how to lead various teams and create well-versed presentations. Communication skills learned in this program will complement a wide range of majors and will aid in maximizing productivity and satisfaction in professional settings.