From health care to national security, 15 new ASU degrees meet growing workforce demands
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences expands its robust list of offerings

By Megan Neely, ASU News
July 30, 2026

With the addition of 15 new degree programs this fall, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University is meeting growing workforce demands in industries ranging from health care to national security. 

In addition, this August, the inaugural cohort of the McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program will start their Sun Devil journey in a new degree pathway that advances a new generation of medical and biotechnology innovations. 

The program was first established in 2025 through a generous gift made by ASU alumni Mark and Sheri McKenna and runs in collaboration with the W. P. Carey School of Business. 

Below, learn more about the new programs students can take advantage of.

Undergraduate degrees

BS in astronomical and planetary sciences (astrophysics)

This added concentration of astronomical and planetary sciences provides students with broad training in the scientific foundations needed to understand and communicate the fundamentals of astrophysics. Students can participate in courses across a range of fields within astronomy and planetary sciences while learning to apply engineering and computational tools to carry out research. This program is offered online. 

BA in global citizenship

The state of Arizona’s first standalone bachelor’s degree in global citizenship allows students to turn their interests in languages, cultures and global issues into a career. The new program will equip students with critical insight, skills and an ethical framework to explore what it takes to lead a globally connected workforce and how language shapes culture and identity. This program is offered on the Tempe campus and online.

BA in Latin American studies

Now available through The College’s School of Transborder Studies, this bachelor’s degree prepares students for a globally minded career path by learning the historical trajectories, social formations, cultural expressions and political processes that shape Latin America. This program is offered on the Tempe campus.

BA English (creative writing)

New to ASU Online, this degree focuses on the study and practice of the literary arts, featuring courses in poetry and fiction as well as internship opportunities. Students will build strong narrative skills through workshops and collaborative projects while examining how writers shape voice, point of view, dialogue and setting. This program is also offered on the Tempe campus.

Graduate degrees

MA in communication (health communication)

In line with ASU’s efforts to address gaps in Arizona's health care coverage, this new master’s degree concentration emphasizes health literacy, plain language translation and the use of data to refine and improve messages to increase industry transparency. Students gain the necessary tools to communicate more effectively and learn skills in health advocacy and doctor-patient communications. This program is offered online. 

MA in global security (intelligence studies)

This additional concentration of global security prepares students to analyze and address contemporary intelligence challenges. Students learn advanced skills across multiple intelligence domains, from open-source intelligence to technology-driven change. This program is available online. 

MA in political science (political analytics)

The new concentration of political science emphasizes quantitative analysis of social and political issues in a political world that needs those who can offer clear analysis of data. Students will learn how to compile and work with electoral, survey and administrative data to explain behavior patterns and outcomes to guide strategic decisions across different government and advocacy organizations. This program is offered online. 

(Video: {https://youtu.be/yN7ZCjOSqmQ?si=gMGUhkKwZA13yXYI})

MS in applied statistics and data science

The School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences’ first online master’s degree program offers students the ability to learn sophisticated statistical, computational and mathematical tools to extract patterns from large datasets. The degree is designed to give students a strong background in statistical methods and machine learning approaches, and enable a successful career in data science roles. 

MS in American Indian studies

Recently reestablished, this master’s degree program trains students in Indigenous worldviews, social justice and advocacy while learning leadership, research and policy skills. The degree offers an interdisciplinary approach to examine Indigenous governance, sovereignty and cultural preservation, among other topics, to help students engage in and contribute to meaningful change. This program is offered on the Tempe campus. 

MS in clinical psychology

Students receive a comprehensive understanding of mental health and behavior from a program derived from ASU’s nationally recognized and APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program. Through specialized coursework and practicum experiences, students are prepared for careers in the field of psychological care and therapy. This program is offered online.

(Video: {https://youtu.be/O-aItJVn50U?si=mkwVGuBcbcjqqZcG})

PhD in psychology (clinical)

This new clinical concentration allows students a chance to blend research and clinical practice to improve understanding and treatment of mental and behavioral health. This specific concentration emphasizes research on the causes, development and treatment of behavioral and emotional disorders. This program is offered on the Tempe campus.

Minors and certificates

Minor in Latin American studies

Now within the School of Transborder Studies, this minor offers an overview of the historical, social, cultural and political developments of Latin America. Students will explore issues impacting the region and its global impact. This program is offered on the Tempe campus.

Undergraduate certificate in great books in political thought

The new certificate provides students the chance to explore foundational works with a focus on political thought and Western civic tradition. The program showcases impactful texts such as Aristotle, Augustine and Aquinas, allowing space for discussions on the classics that have been debated through history and their impact on political ideas and institutions. This program is offered on the Tempe campus.

Undergraduate certificate in U.S. national security and intelligence studies

This new certificate prepares students to think critically, act decisively and serve with integrity to meet the demands of the U.S. intelligence community. Students will gain the skills needed to interpret different forms of intelligence while learning more about cybersecurity threats, critical languages and cross-cultural analysis in order to address global security challenges. This program is offered on the Tempe campus.

Microcertificate in Indigenous education

This program offers a graduate-level credential focused on Indigenous knowledge systems, culturally responsive pedagogy and tribal education policy. Designed for educators, leaders and advocates, this microcertificate empowers learners to support Indigenous self-determination and advance Indigenous futures from advocacy settings to educational institutions. This program is offered online.

This story originally appeared on ASU News.