Contents > Tempe Campus > College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
clas.asu.edu
Quentin Wheeler, PhD, Vice President and Dean
Aerospace Studies, Department of
African and African American Studies Program
American Indian Studies Program
Asian Pacific American Studies Program
Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of
Earth and Space Exploration, School of
Geographical Sciences, School of
Human Communication, Hugh Downs School of
Human Evolution and Social Change, School of
International Letters and Cultures, School of
Justice and Social Inquiry, School of
Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Mathematics and Statistics, Department of
Military Science, Department of
Political Science, Department of
Religious Studies, Department of
Social and Family Dynamics, School of
Speech and Hearing Science, Department of
Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies, Department of
Women and Gender Studies Program
Like all major research universities, Arizona State University provides the means for undergraduates to acquire a liberal education, an education that broadens students’ understanding in the major areas of human knowledge while providing students with in-depth knowledge in their chosen areas of focus. While the professional schools and colleges can and do provide for important dimensions of a liberal education, the central academic setting for accomplishing this basic university purpose is the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). The college provides a particularly rich and varied set of opportunities for students to gain the kind of liberal education that helps to prepare them for a lifetime of continued learning and application of knowledge in a diverse and ever-changing world.
As a consequence of the wide range of subjects CLAS offers in the humanities, the natural sciences and mathematics, and the social and behavioral sciences, instruction is provided in a number of core areas for undergraduate students from all of the other colleges. Students with majors in business, education, engineering, nursing, and other professional colleges rely on CLAS for basic foundation courses. CLAS also offers the majority of courses meeting the General Studies requirement.
CLAS initiated and continues to participate actively with Barrett, the Honors College. It also offers advising to undergraduates who are working out their undergraduate programs or are planning for graduate studies.
Most of the university faculty’s engagement in the discovery and creation of knowledge and its dissemination occurs in CLAS. As an integral part of this activity, CLAS offers a wide range of graduate training programs leading to a master’s or doctoral degree. For graduate degree application information, see the Graduate Catalog and contact either the Division of Graduate Studies or the academic unit in which the degree of interest would be earned, the latter in order to receive detailed information on particular degree requirements.
CLAS consists of the School of Earth and Space Exploration, the School of Geographical Sciences, the School of Global Studies, the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, School of International Letters and Cultures, the School of Justice and Social Inquiry, the School of Life Sciences, the School of Materials, the School of Social and Family Dynamics, 11 academic departments, several interdisciplinary programs, 14 centers, and several research institutes and laboratories. The college offers 40 programs leading to a bachelor’s degree, 31 programs leading to a master’s degree, 24 programs leading to a doctoral degree, and interdisciplinary graduate programs in cooperation with other colleges. Undergraduate customized interdisciplinary degrees are also available.
For more information, access the college’s Web site at clas.asu.edu.
Any entering ASU student who has met the minimum university entrance requirements can be admitted to a CLAS program.
Any student who is in university good standing, who wishes to major in a subject offered by CLAS and to follow a program of study in the major may transfer into the college. Current ASU students who are changing their majors to CLAS from another ASU college are encouraged to first contact the advisor in the department they are moving to.
The university standards for evaluation of transfer credit are listed under Transfer Credit. All students who meet the university standards are admissible to CLAS. Transfer students are urged to contact the relevant academic department or the Office of Undergraduate Programs in FULTN 110, to ensure a smooth transition to CLAS. Students who have transferred course credit from institutions other than Arizona community colleges or public universities must have their transcripts evaluated by an advisor in FULTN 110. Students who have attended only Arizona community colleges, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona have evaluations performed in the department of the major.
Courses transferred from two-year colleges are accepted as lower-division credit only. Students are urged to choose their community college courses carefully, in view of the fact that a minimum of 45 semester hours of work taken at the university must be upper-division credit (see Community Colleges).
All students are urged to seek advising in the appropriate college unit before registration. Students must follow the calendar published in the Registration and Tuition Payment Guide each semester for information and deadlines pertaining to enrollment, adding/dropping classes, and withdrawals.
In addition to information provided by an advisor, students must read the requirements for university General Studies, college graduation, and major degree requirements in their edition of the ASU General Catalog. See General Studies, University Graduation Requirements, College Graduation Requirements, and the section of the department offering the major. The ASU General Catalog is the governing source for all degree requirements.
All students are strongly urged to seek advising in the appropriate college unit before registration.
eAdvisor
Members of the fall 2007 freshman class have a new way to manage their academic experience. ASU is introducing eAdvisor, which gives students the tools to successfully follow their major map to graduation. eAdvisor assists students in
1. learning more about graduation requirements for their major;
2. discerning what critical-requirement courses and grades are required to stay on track to successfully complete their degree;
3. planning for and scheduling appropriate courses in the correct sequence to maximize success;
4. monitoring progress toward their degree; and
5. finding out how courses may fit into other majors if they decide to change majors.
Access eAdvisor at www.asu.edu/programs/majormaps.
CLAS students should seek routine advising at the locations shown in the Advising Locations table below.
The Office of Undergraduate Programs, in FULTN 110, is the central resource center for academic information in the college. Requests from students, departmental advisors, and faculty for clarification of rules, procedures, and advising needs of the college and university should be directed to that office.
The following categories of Liberal Arts and Sciences students must receive advising and must be cleared on the Mandatory Advising Computer System (MACS) before their classes are scheduled:
1. students in their first semester at ASU;
3. students with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.00;
4. students in their first three semesters (in selected departments);
5. other students with “special admissions” status; and
6. students who have been disqualified (these students are allowed to attend ASU summer and winter sessions only and must be advised in the Office of Undergraduate Programs in FULTN 110).
Students in the above mandatory advising categories should consult an advisor in the appropriate advising location listed in the previous section. Students are encouraged to check their mandatory advising status each semester before attempting registration transactions.
Advising for Preprofessional Programs
Special advising is available for students planning to enter the fields listed in the Advising for Preprofessional Programs. The professional programs shown in the table are not majors in themselves; that is, there are no majors called “premedical,” “prelaw,” etc. In each program, the student must select an established major in CLAS or in one of the other colleges.
Students pursuing admission to professional schools in the health professions must choose a major offered by ASU. However, specific courses must be taken to prepare the student to take the MCAT or other entrance examinations and to succeed in postbaccalaureate training. Therefore, students who plan to pursue a health profession should meet regularly with the Pre-Health Professions office for guidance. While this guidance does not replace the need to meet with an advisor in the department of the student’s major, pre-health advising is a necessary supplement. To schedule a meeting with Pre-Health Professions, located in LSC 206, call 480/965-6277.
The American Bar Association does not recommend any specific major for students who wish to apply to law school upon graduation. ASU does not have a “prelaw” degree program. Therefore, students should select a major that interests them. Recent surveys of law school graduates indicate that students would be well advised to take one or two semesters of accounting as a supplement to their major curriculum. In addition, the American Bar Association recommends a variety of courses in the classics, in economics, and in mathematical reasoning. Courses that engage the student in intense critical analysis and a substantial amount of writing are also recommended. As the student approaches the second semester of his or her junior year, the student should contact the prelaw advisor in the college or department of his or her major to obtain information regarding the procedure to apply to law school.
A degree in the liberal arts and sciences prepares a student for careers that include but are not limited to business, government/public service, nonprofit organizations, the arts, science and research, and most corporate environments. By the time of graduation, CLAS students have developed the ability to solve problems, analyze data, communicate ideas, and execute complex plans. To identify career paths that best fit a student’s interests and talents, the Office of Undergraduate Programs offers individualized career advising. To make an appointment, call 480/965-6506.
All students are encouraged to complete at least one internship before graduation; some majors require internships. Many CLAS disciplines have well-established internship programs, so students should begin seeking information in their academic departments. Contact information may be found on the Web at clas.asu.edu/students/clasworks. To develop a successful internship experience, students are encouraged to meet with the director of CLASWorks for a career advising session soon after arriving on campus. International students may be eligible to pursue paid internships, and should work with the International Students office to ensure compliance with visa restrictions.
Degrees
Programs leading to the BA and BS degrees are offered by CLAS, with majors in the subjects listed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Baccalaureate Degrees and Majors table. Each major is administered by the academic department indicated.
Concurrent degrees and second baccalaureate degrees
Students who wish to pursue a concurrent degree in CLAS may not double count courses from one major to the other. Each major must consist of a minimum of 30 semester hours unique to that major. Students who wish to obtain concurrent degrees must realize that there are certain combinations that would not be approved because there is too great an overlap between the courses required for each major. Similarly, students who earn one baccalaureate degree may not earn a second baccalaureate degree in the same major or in a major that does not contain 30 core hours unique to that major. For example, a student may not pursue a degree in two life science fields (with the exception of Clinical Laboratory Sciences).
Although not required for graduation, special college-approved minors are available in most departments. Check department program descriptions for details. Minors must have at least 18 hours of designated courses, including at least 12 hours of upper-division work. The college requires a grade of at least “C” (2.00) in all upper-division courses in the minor. Some departments have stricter requirements. A minimum of six upper-division hours in the minor must be taken in residence at the Tempe campus.
University policies prohibit the “double-counting” of courses from the major for the minor. Specific questions concerning double-counting, as well as general questions about the approval processes for minors, should be taken up with an academic advisor in the department offering the minor or the Office of Undergraduate Programs in FULTN 110.
Refer to the CLAS portion of the ASU Minors table.
Graduate Degrees
See the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Graduate Degrees and Majors table. Refer to the Graduate Catalog for requirements.
University Graduation Requirements
In addition to fulfilling college and major requirements, students must meet all university graduation requirements. For complete information, see University Graduation Requirements.
All students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program must satisfy a university requirement of a minimum of 35 hours of approved course work in General Studies, as described in General Studies. Note that all three General Studies awareness areas are required. Consult an advisor for an approved list of courses.
General Studies courses are listed in the course descriptions, in the Online ASU Interactive Schedule of Classes, and in the Summer Sessions Bulletin.
College Graduation Requirements
All students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) must complete the university General Studies requirement as well as all requirements in the major. In addition, the college has established requirements that are specific to the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
A. Bachelor of Arts Degrees. Students pursuing BA degrees in the CLAS must demonstrate intermediate proficiency in a second language by completing the courses specified below with a grade of “C” (2.00) or higher in each course. Second language course requirements consist of
1. completion of second language course work at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent, those students completing this requirement in Ancient Greek must take both GRK 301 and 302; students completing the requirement in Portuguese or Romanian must complete POR 314 or ROM 314);
2. a foreign language course at the 300 level or higher taught in the foreign language and having 202 or its equivalent as a prerequisite;
3. completion of secondary education at a school in which the language of instruction is not English: or
4. completion of SHS 202 American Sign Language IV or its equivalent.
B. Bachelor of Science degrees. Students pursuing BS degrees in the CLAS must complete six semester hours (two courses) of “Science and Society” courses. Students should consult with an advisor in the department or school of their major for a list of appropriate courses.
C. All students are required to take a minimum of MAT 119 or higher. A grade of “C” (2.00) or higher must be earned in the chosen mathematics course.
Each student is required to select a major from among the fields of study offered by CLAS. The requirements for completion of the major are described under departmental listings.
A. The major department may require up to 45 semester hours of course work. The minimum is 30 hours. A maximum of 15 additional hours may be required in related courses and prerequisites. No more than 60 semester hours of course work may be required to complete the major, related courses, and prerequisites. Some departments require calculus-level mathematics; up to five of these semester hours may be excluded from the 60-hour maximum because they satisfy the mathematics proficiency requirement. A minimum of 12 upper-division hours in the major must be taken in residence.
B. No credit is granted toward fulfilling major or minor requirements in any upper-division course in that subject field unless the grade in that course is at least a “C” (2.00). In CLAS, the assignment of a grade of “Y” indicates a level of performance that would have resulted in a grade of at least “C” (2.00) had the normal grading scheme been used.
See the individual departments for other minimum grade requirements.
C. Major fields of study are classified into the following three divisions:
Asian Languages (Chinese/Japanese) (CHI/JPN)
2. Natural sciences and mathematics:
Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS)
Computational Mathematical Sciences (MAT)
Earth and Space Exploration (SES)
Molecular Biosciences/Biotechnology (MBB)
Speech and Hearing Science (SHS)
African and African American Studies (AFH, AFR, AFS)
Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies (CSH, CSS)
Social and Family Dynamics (CDE, FAS, SOC)
Geographical Sciences (GCU, GPH)
Justice and Social Inquiry (JUS)
Women and Gender Studies (WSH, WST)
Most CLAS majors can meet all of the above requirements with fewer than the 120 semester hours required for graduation. Remaining hours are general electives that may be selected from any of the departments of CLAS and from the offerings of the other colleges.
The declaration of graduation, which is required by university regulations during the semester in which an undergraduate earns the 87th hour, must be filed and approved at least two weeks before the preregistration period for the subsequent semester. Students should run a new Degree Audit Reporting System report every semester to gauge how well they are meeting all requirements for graduation. Students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Programs, in FULTN 110, regarding college graduation rules and deadlines. Deadlines for filing the declaration of graduation after enrolling in the 87th hour are March 1 and October 1 of each year. Students with 87 hours must have a college-approved declaration of graduation before registering for the next semester.
All candidates for graduation in the BA and BS degree curricula are required to complete at least 120 semester hours, of which at least 45 hours must consist of upper-division courses. A minimum ASU cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required for graduation.
Students who wish to obtain concurrent degrees must realize that there are certain combinations that would not be approved because there is too great an overlap between the courses required for each major. For example, students may not obtain concurrent degrees in two life sciences. Students who wish to obtain concurrent degrees may not double-count courses from one major to the next, but must have at least 30 different semester hours in each major.
The normal course load is 15 to 16 semester hours. First-semester freshmen and entering transfer students are not permitted to register for more than 18 semester hours in the initial semester. Other students who wish to register for more than 18 hours must have a GPA of at least 3.00 and must file a petition in the Office of Undergraduate Programs, in FULTN 110, before registration. Any petition for an overload in excess of 21 hours must be presented to the Standards Committee of the college. No student should assume that his or her petition for overload will be granted.
The pass/fail grade option is intended to broaden the education of Liberal Arts and Sciences undergraduates by encouraging them to take advanced courses outside their specialization. A mark of “P” contributes to the student’s earned hours but does not affect the GPA. A failing grade is computed into the GPA.
Only CLAS students with at least 60 semester hours may take courses under the pass/fail option. The option may be used under the following conditions:
1. enrollment for pass/fail needs the approval of the instructor and the college;
2. enrollment under this option must be indicated during registration and may not be changed after the late registration period; and
3. a maximum of 12 hours taken for pass/fail may be counted toward graduation.
Students may not enroll under the pass/fail option in the following courses:
1. those taken to satisfy the second language or First-Year Composition requirements;
2. those in the student’s major, minor, or certificate program;
3. those counted toward or required to supplement the major;
4. those counted as 499 Individualized Instruction;
5. those taken for honors credits; or
6. those counted toward satisfying the CLAS graduation requirements or the General Studies requirement.
A student may choose to audit a course in which he or she attends regularly scheduled class sessions but earns no credit. The student should obtain the instructor’s approval before registering for the course. For more information, see Grading System.
Note: This grade option may not be changed after the drop/add period.
Study by Independent Learning is not a normal part of a degree program; special circumstances must exist for a degree-seeking student to take Independent Learning courses. Any enrollment in such courses must have the prior approval of the college.
The standards for GPA and the terms of probation, disqualification, reinstatement, and appeal are identical to those of the university as set forth under Retention and Academic Standards, except that the disqualified student in CLAS is suspended for at least two regular semesters at the university. When students are placed on probation, one of three things can happen:
1. the student may raise his or her cumulative GPA to academic good standing (see Academic Good Standing) by taking new classes and be removed from probation after the fall or spring semester;
2. the student may receive the required semester GPA, but not raise the cumulative GPA to academic good standing, in which case, the student may continue on probation, earning the required semester GPA, for as many semesters as it takes to raise the cumulative GPA to good standing; or
3. the student may fail to achieve the required semester GPA and be disqualified.
Students who leave the university for a semester or more while on probation are not automatically readmitted. Such students, as well as all disqualified students, should contact the Office of Undergraduate Programs in FULTN 110, regarding procedures and guidance for reinstatement and returning to good standing. By following recommendations and meeting established standards for summer school work or course work at other institutions, the possibility of successful reinstatement is enhanced. Academic discipline is one of the functions of the Office of Undergraduate Programs. All students having academic difficulties of any kind should contact this office. Also available in this office is information on policies and procedures of the college on academic honesty, student grievances with respect to grades, and various petitions regarding college standards and graduation requirements.
Academic honesty is expected of all students in all examinations, papers, academic transactions, and records. The possible sanctions include, but are not limited to, appropriate grade penalties, loss of registration privileges, disqualification, and dismissal.
Any student enrolling in courses offered by CLAS is expected to follow the rules and deadlines specified in this catalog and the current Registration and Tuition Payment Guide. Students are urged to meet with their departmental academic advisors before registration. Students with additional questions or problems are also urged to meet with advisors in the Office of Undergraduate Programs, in FULTN 110, regarding the academic rules of the college and the university.
CLAS works closely with Barrett, the Honors College, which affords qualified undergraduates opportunities for enhanced educational experiences. For a complete description of requirements and opportunities, see Barrett, the Honors College.
The college provides a comprehensive career management program for all CLAS majors: CLASWorks. This program includes a first-year seminar as well as an upper-division course in career management. Individualized advising sessions, career events, and a Web-based list of CLASWorks contacts are available. Students are encouraged to meet with the director of CLASWorks during their first semester at ASU to explore opportunities in full- and part-time employment, volunteerism, and internships. For more information, call 480/965-6506, or access the Web site at clas.asu.edu/students/clasworks.
An Integrated Studies major leading to the BA or BS degree provides students of outstanding ability in the humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences opportunities to pursue courses of study that cut across departmental boundaries and focus on specific topics or problem areas. Completion of 32 semester hours at ASU with a GPA of at least 3.25 and three letters of recommendation from ASU faculty members are required for admission. For more information about degree requirements, visit the Office of Undergraduate Programs in FULTN 110.
These nine to 12 semester hour communities allow students to explore an important topic in depth, in mainly small classes, while earning a number of General Studies credits and completing their university writing requirement. The CLAS Learning Communities offer students an opportunity to learn how to think about issues on multiple levels and apply skills across different domains. Course material and extracurricular activities are integrated to enhance the student’s intellectual development. Each Learning Community is limited to fewer than 100 students, enabling the student to develop a supportive network of peers on campus. For more information, including residence hall information, access the Web site at clas.asu.edu/students/learningcommunities.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a 120-semester-hour undergraduate degree completion program in Liberal Studies to Arizona students who have previously earned 60 to 90 semester hours at one of the Arizona universities or community colleges and meet our eligibility requirements. This degree completion program is most suitable for working adults since courses will be offered online and via independent study. There will be registration and individualized instruction fees in addition to tuition. For more information on eligibility requirements, call the Office of Undergraduate Programs at 480/965-6506.
Students have a variety of opportunities for practicum and internship experiences that enable them to meld classroom learning with practical application. Among the several individual departmental programs that provide internships for majors, the Department of Political Science is the ASU sponsor of the Washington Semester Program. The program provides students a one-semester opportunity to study in Washington, D.C., through any one of several programs sponsored by the American University. The program is available to outstanding juniors or seniors and requires careful planning with an academic advisor early in the student’s career. For more information, call the Department of Political Science at 480/965-6551.
The Departments of Aerospace Studies and Military Science offer programs leading to commissions in the armed forces, but they do not offer majors or minors. For more information, see the appropriate department descriptions in this catalog.
Certificate Programs and Areas of Emphasis
Certificates are available from numerous units in CLAS, and one collegewide Enriched College Degree Certificate is available to any major in the college as shown in the CLAS Certificates table. Areas of emphasis are also available in some of the same subjects (e.g., Latin American Studies).
Enriched College Degree Certificate
CLAS offers an Enriched College Degree Certificate, available to any student within the university.
The Enriched College Degree Certificate consists of a minimum of 15 semester hours with a minimum of “C” (2.00) grade credit. The certificate consists of
1. a theme requirement composed of a three-course sequence outside the student’s major, characterized by an identifiable theme of intellectual relevance for students (courses used for the theme requirement cannot be from one’s major, minor, or another certificate);
2. an approved upper-division bridge course selected to address the relationships among areas of inquiry and means of acquiring knowledge; and
3. an approved upper-division course in spoken English to provide a meaningful opportunity for substantive oral presentations.
For more information, visit the CLAS Office of Undergraduate Programs, in FULTN 110, or call 480/965-6506.
The Certificate in Arabic Studies provides students with skills that will enable and qualify them to communicate effectively in Arabic in the four areas of language acquisition: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Simultaneously, students gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the culture, literature, and traditions of the vast Arabic-speaking world. The certificate provides critically-needed educational and cultural diversity that will enrich students’ undergraduate experience and prepare them for life as employees and employers. Graduate students in the liberal arts, social sciences and humanities seeking academic or professional careers in any of the three disciplines or thematic concentrations are also expected to be attracted to this Certificate because of the added advantage the program gives them in the job market given the demonstrably high need for graduates with Arabic knowledge.
Students must first be accepted into an appropriate degree program at ASU and will then apply directly to the director of the Arabic Studies Certificate in the School of International Letters and Cultures for admission into the Certificate Program. The application will consist of name, address, phone number, e-mail address, student ID number, major, year in college, anticipated graduation date, and the name of their major academic advisor.
ASU students admitted to a degree program in any field of study would be eligible for the Arabic Studies Certificate Program. In addition to the course work and examinations required in the major field of interest, students are responsible for fulfilling the minimum requirement of 18 hours to earn the Arabic Studies Certificate. These hours can be chosen in consultation with the Certificate coordinator. A minimum grade of “C” or higher is required in each course.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in the Arabic language at the intermediate level. The language requirement can be satisfied by completing the 201and 202 sequence, one year of study abroad at the intermediate level, or satisfactory placement on a fourth-semester proficiency exam.
Students must complete nine credit hours at or above the 300 level of core courses from the following:
ARB 311 Advanced Arabic Skills I
ARB 321 Arabic Conversation I and II
ARB 331 Arabic/Islamic Culture and Literature
ARB 351 Classical Arabic Literature
ARB 411 Advanced Arabic Skills II
ARB 421 Arabic Conversation II
HST 372 The Modern Middle East
In addition to the above core courses, students are required to complete nine semester hours from an approved list of electives. Six hours of these must be from two different departments. The following is a model of a list of electives:
GCU 328 Geography of the Middle East and North Africa
HST 307 Studies in African History
POS 494 ST: Different Voices in Contemporary Islamic Discourse
REL 366 Islam in the Modern World
REL 460 Studies in Islamic Religion
For more information, contact the School of International Letters and Cultures at 480/965-4586.
Asian and East Asian Studies Certificates
Asian and East Asian Studies certificates are offered through the Center for Asian Research. The certificates provide students with official transcript recognition of specialization in Asian Studies related to their major area of study.
The certificate curriculum includes 24 semester hours of course work:
1. 15 semester hours of upper-division area studies course work in at least three disciplines outside of languages and literature courses (such as anthropology, art, geography, history, political science, and religious studies); and
2. nine additional semester hours may be some combination of lower- and/or upper-division courses. Six hours may be satisfied with language and literature courses limited to 321 and above.
In addition, certificate students must demonstrate proficiency in an Asian language at the intermediate level. The language requirement can be satisfied by completing the 201 and 202 sequence, one year of study abroad at the intermediate level, or satisfactory placement on a proficiency exam. Asian languages include Chinese, Hindu/Urdu, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Lao, Thai, and Vietnamese. Students pursuing an East Asian Certificate must fulfill the language requirement in either Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, and the 15 hours of upper-division course work must be courses with significant focus on East Asia chosen in consultation with the Center for Asian Research advisor.
A graduate certificate in Asian Studies is also available. For more information, see the Graduate Catalog.
An Asian studies concentration is available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the BIS program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
An Asian Studies concentration requires 23 to 25 semester hours of course work:
1. one year of an Asian language consisting of 10 semester hours of lower-division courses or six semester hours of upper-division courses;
2. 12 semester hours of upper-division area studies courses drawn from at least two disciplines outside of international letters and cultures; and
3. three to six semester hours of lower- or upper-division approved area studies courses; three of these remaining hours may be satisfied with international letters and cultures courses limited to 321 and above.
BIS students pursuing an Asian Studies concentration will be required to consult with the academic advisor of the Center for Asian Research as well as the BIS advisor. Students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to continue Asian language study beyond the concentration requirement.
See Certificate in Civic Education.
Students admitted to undergraduate degree programs in any field are eligible for the Classical Studies certificate program. In addition to the course work and examinations required in the student’s major, the student is responsible for fulfilling the following minimum requirements:
1. five semesters of ancient Greek (17 semester hours; GRK 301 and 302 may be repeated for credit) or Latin (19 semester hours) language and literature instruction;
2. two semesters (six semester hours), in courses related to classical studies (to be approved by coordinators of the certificate); a thesis (three semester hours), a Barrett, the Honors College thesis (six semester hours) or two additional courses at or above the 300 level (six semester hours); and
3. a minimum grade of “C” (2.00) in each course leading to the certificate.
Students interested in the Classical Studies certificate program need to submit an application before being accepted into the program. For more information, call the program coordinator at 480/965-1110 or 965-6281.
Concentrations in (1) classical studies—Greek or (2) classical studies—Latin are available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the BIS program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Early Intervention Certificate
The Early Intervention Certificate is cross-disciplinary and is certified by the Arizona Early Intervention Program in the Arizona State Department of Economic Security. Students interested in earning the certificate must make formal application to the director of the Early Intervention Training Program. Students must have completed 56 semester hours and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50. Students are required to complete the application form for the Early Intervention Certificate.
The proposed certificate entails 17 semester hours of required course work. All 17 semester hours must be ASU credit.
CDE 337 Early Childhood Intervention (3)
SWU 437 Infant Family Assessment and Observation L/SB (3)
or CDE 437 Infant Family Assessment and Observation L/SB (3)
SWU 446 Risk and Variation in Child Development (3)
or CDE 444 Risk and Variation in Child Development (3)
Choose from the following combinations (8)
CDE 338 Child Development Practicum (3)
SWU 412 Field Instruction I (5)
SWU 414 Field Instruction II (3)
All students admitted by the program are advised by the director of the Early Intervention Training Program through completion of the certificate requirements. Advising includes identifying field placements for FAS 484 and SWU 412 and SWU 414. Completion of the certificate is verified by completion of all required courses with a grade of “C” (2.00) or higher in each course.
This certificate is designed to give students a richer understanding of systematic philosophical thinking about ethics. Students with majors in business, nursing, journalism, and public administration, among others, may well find that training in ethics is beneficial for their career goals. The certificate program permits some flexibility about course selection, thereby facilitating the interests of many students. For more information, visit the Department of Philosophy in COOR 3309, or call 480/965-3394.
A concentration in ethics is available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the BIS program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Geographic Information Science Certificate
The cross-disciplinary undergraduate certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS) is designed for undergraduates wishing to pursue a GIS-related career. The certificate is awarded to students completing the following 19 semester hours with a grade of “C” (2.00) or higher.
CSE 100 Principles of Programming with C++ CS (3)
GCU 495 Quantitative Methods in Geography CS (3)
GPH 370 Geographic Information Technologies CS (3)
GPH 373 Geographic Information Science I CS (4)
GPH 473 Geographic Information Science II CS (3)
Elective (choose from the courses below) (3)
ABS 485 GIS in Natural Resources (3)
ABS 586 Remote Sensing in Environmental Resources (4)
GCU 361 Urban Geography SB (3)
GCU 441 Economic Geography SB (3)
GCU 442 Geographical Analysis of Transportation SB (3)
GPH 371 Introduction to Cartography and Georepresentation CS (3)
GPH 372 Air Photo Interpretation (3)
GPH 471 Geographics: Interactive and Animated Cartography and Geovisualization CS (3)
GPH 481 Environmental Geography (3)
GPH 483 Geographic Information Analysis (3)
GPH 484 Internship: GIS-Based (3)
PLB 434 Landscape Ecological Analysis and Modeling (3)
For more information, call the School of Geographical Sciences at 480/965-7533.
Healthcare Organizations and Society Certificate
The certificate program is designed to allow undergraduate students interested in healthcare and the healthcare industry to access a broad range of disciplinary approaches and issues relevant to the subject.
To complete the certificate, students must take 18 semester hours of course work. Before starting the program students should seek advice and information in the School of Life Sciences Student Services Office in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or Business Honors advising in the W. P. Carey School of Business.
The course work must conform to the following structure and must be drawn from the three areas listed below. Additional courses are permissible with the approval of an advisor. In addition, students must meet the following requirements:
1. complete 18 semester hours, 12 of which must be in the upper division;
2. earn a “C” or higher in all upper-division courses taken for the certificate; and
3. complete at least 12 of the semester hours for the certificate in residence at ASU.
Overview of the U.S. Healthcare Industry.
HSM 220 Healthcare Organizations is required. HSM 498 PS: Health Economics is required for business students. HSM 561 Biostatistics may be taken by petition. No more than three courses in this area may be taken.
Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare.
PHI 320 Bioethics is required. A second course is also required, PAF 460 Public Service Ethics or HSM 498 PS: Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare. No more than three courses in this area may be taken.
Anthropological, Historical, and Social Perspectives on Healthcare.
One course is required. No more than two courses in this area may be taken, from among ASB 462 Medical Anthropology: Culture and Health, HPS 331 History of Medicine, and SOC 427 Sociology of Health and Illness.
For more information, visit the School of Life Sciences in LSC 206, or call 480/727-6277. Or visit Business Honors in the W. P. Carey School of Business in BA 150, or call 480/965-8710.
History and Philosophy of Science Certificate
The School of Life Sciences offers an undergraduate History and Philosophy of Science Certificate. The certificate program is designed to give students an understanding of both traditional philosophic issues surrounding science and the historical development of concrete scientific theories and ideas. The philosophic questions, of the belief-worthiness and interpretation of scientific claims as well as norms within or about science, both enrich and are enriched by their combination with historical study. Such philosophic and historical study will also often include the examination of contemporary sciences and their place within the larger society.
The certificate requires 18 semester hours bearing a PHI or HPS prefix of which 12 semester hours must be upper-division. Included within the 18 semester hours, at least nine must bear the HPS prefix. PHI 314 Philosophy of Science is also required. All courses counting toward the certificate must be approved for this purpose by an undergraduate advisor and passed with a grade of “C” (2.00) or higher.
For more information, visit the School of Life Sciences in LSC 206, or call 480/727-6277.
See Certificate in International Studies.
Students admitted to undergraduate degree programs in any field are eligible for the Islamic Studies Certificate program. Students who complete all the requirements of their major, their college, and the certificate program receive the certificate plus transcript recognition of their particular emphasis. The certificate program is designed to prepare students for graduate programs in Religious Studies, Islamic studies, and area studies or for any academic discipline (such as professional programs in international law and business) that focuses on global Muslim societies. Students must complete a minimum total of 26 semester hours, chosen in consultation with the Islamic Studies program coordinator. A minimum grade of “C” (2.00) is required in each course. To earn the certificate, students must complete these requirements:
1. eight semester hours of Arabic, Indonesian, or another language approved by the program coordinator; students who are native speakers of these languages or who otherwise have equivalent knowledge substitute two additional courses approved by the program coordinator;
2. nine semester hours from REL 260 Introduction to Islam, REL 365 Islamic Civilization, and REL 366 Islam in the Modern World;
3. three semester hours taken from REL 394 (topics may vary) or REL 460 Studies in Islamic Religion (topics may vary); and
4. six semester hours drawn from an approved list of courses in Arabic, anthropology, French, geography, history, religious studies, Spanish or from other courses approved by the program coordinator.
Direct inquiries about the program to the Department of Religious Studies, ECA 377, or call 480/965-7145.
The Jewish studies program is designed with the following goals in mind:
1. to examine the history and culture of the Jews;
2. to provide a model for interdisciplinary teaching and research;
3. to generate and facilitate research on Judaica;
4. to provide the community with programs, courses, and research furthering the understanding of Judaica; and
5. to stand as an example of the university’s commitment to a program of meaningful ethnic studies on a firm academic base.
The Certificate of Concentration in Jewish Studies may be combined with a major in any college. For information about the program, visit the Jewish Studies program office in the Department of Religious Studies, or access the Web site at asu.edu/clas/jewishstudies/certificateinfo.htm.
A concentration in Jewish studies is available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the BIS program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Latin American Studies Certificate
The Latin American Studies Certificate program is designed to give students an understanding of culture, economies, political structures, and the history of Latin American nations. The Departments of Economics, Geographical Sciences, History, and Political Science; the Schools of Human Evolution and Social Change and International Letters and Cultures (Spanish and Portuguese),; and the W. P. Carey School of Business offer courses that combine to make up the interdisciplinary certificate. Students must complete 30 semester hours of upper-division courses from the above departments/colleges with a concentration in Latin America—15 semester hours in the major subject and 15 semester hours in other disciplines. The certificate requires Spanish or Portuguese proficiency through the 313 level of conversation and composition. Only language courses above 313 in literature and civilization count toward a major or interdisciplinary areas of preparation. Spanish and Portuguese courses above 313 in grammar and phonology do not count toward the major requirements. The Center for Latin American Research offers the area of emphasis for students who do not wish to attain a high level of language proficiency.
For more information, visit the Center for Latin American Research in COOR 4450, or call 480/965-5127.
A concentration in Latin American studies is available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the BIS program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Medieval and Renaissance Studies Certificate
An undergraduate Certificate in Medieval and Renaissance Studies is offered by the Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (ACMRS). In addition to the course work and examinations required in a student’s major field of interest, the following minimum requirements must be fulfilled to earn the certificate:
1. six to eight semester hours of classical Latin and six to eight semester hours of Latin (classical and/or medieval) or of a vernacular language of the period (e.g., Old English, Old Norse, Old French, Renaissance Italian);
2. six to eight semester hours of course work in medieval and renaissance studies outside the major discipline;
3. three semester hours of thesis on a topic concerning the Middle Ages or Renaissance. The thesis may be used to fulfill the honors college thesis requirement for students enrolled in the Barrett, the Honors College; and
4. a minimum of a “C” (2.00) average in all course work leading to the certificate.
Students interested in the certificate program need to complete an application form before being accepted into the program. Applications are available by calling ACMRS at 480/965-5900 or visiting COOR 4429.
See the Graduate Catalog for information about the Certificate in Medieval Studies and the Certificate in Renaissance Studies, and Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, for information about the center.
A concentration in medieval and Renaissance studies is available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the BIS program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
See the Graduate Catalog or contact the School of Human Evolution and Social Change for more information.
Russian and East European Studies Certificate
Undergraduate students may complete an interdisciplinary certificate program in Russian and East European studies while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field. The requirements for the Russian and East European Studies Certificate comprise (1) three years (22 semester hours) of Russian or another Eurasian or East European language and (2) 30 upper-division semester hours in Russian, East European, and Eurasian area-related course work.
At least three disciplines must be represented in the area-related course work, and at least 12 semester hours must be outside the School of International Letters and Cultures (i.e., non-RUS and non-FLA courses). Fulfillment of these requirements is certified by the Russian and East European Studies Center and is recognized on the transcript by a bachelor’s degree with “Major in [Discipline], and Certificate in Russian and East European Studies.” The purpose of this undergraduate certificate program is to encourage students majoring in a chosen discipline to develop special competency in Russian or East European language and area studies. A student with a major in any department may pursue this certificate.
For more information, call 480/965-4188, or visit COOR 4465.
A concentration in Russian and East European studies is available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the BIS program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Scandinavian Studies Certificate
Students admitted to undergraduate degree programs in any field are eligible for the Scandinavian Studies Certificate program. In addition to the course work and examinations required in the student’s major, the student is responsible for fulfilling the following minimum requirements (21 semester hours) before the certificate is issued:
1. six semester hours of Norwegian or Swedish at the 200 level or above;
2. three semester hours in SCA 250 Introduction to Scandinavian Culture;
3. nine semester hours of upper-division course work in Scandinavian Studies outside the student’s major discipline;
4. a minimum of a “C” (2.00) average in all course work leading to the certificate; and
5. three semester hours in an independent study thesis on a topic concerning Scandinavian Studies. The thesis may be used to fulfill Barrett, the Honors College thesis requirement for students enrolled in Barrett, the Honors College.
Students who test out of the basic language courses would, with advising, take other approved courses to fulfill the minimum requirement of 21 semester hours.
For more information, call the School of International Letters and Cultures at 480/965-6281.
A concentration in Scandinavian studies is available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the BIS program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Scholarly Publishing Certificate
See the Graduate Catalog for information on this certificate program.
Southeast Asian Studies Certificate
A Certificate in Southeast Asian Studies is available to any undergraduate student. The certificate program requires a corequisite two-year sequence in a Southeast Asian language (Indonesian, Lao, Thai, or Vietnamese) and 18 semester hours, including the courses listed below.
1. ASB/GCU/HST/POS/REL 240 Introduction to Southeast Asia;
2. ASB 325 Peoples of Southeast Asia;
3. HST 391 Modern Southeast Asia;
4. two electives (selected from an approved course list with 30–100 percent Southeast Asian content); and
5. a culminating capstone seminar in which the students share multidisciplinary approaches to the region and integrate knowledge of Southeast Asia with their respective disciplinary orientations.
Courses counting toward the Certificate in Southeast Asian Studies fulfill requirements for undergraduate majors and General Studies in the social and behavioral sciences, humanities, literacy, and global and historical awareness areas. A two-year sequence in Southeast Asian language study meets the foreign language requirement for BA undergraduates in CLAS.
Students wishing to study a Southeast Asian language other than those offered on campus may transfer credits earned at the Southeast Asian Studies Summer Institute, a consortium for intensive language and area studies, or at other accredited programs. Qualified students may request placement testing on other national languages of the region, administered in accordance with the national American Council of Teachers in Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines.
For more information, visit the Center for Asian Research in COOR 6611, call 480/965-7184, or access the Web site at www.asu.edu/clas/asian.
Concentrations in Southeast Asian studies (area studies option or language option) are available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the BIS program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
The Department of Philosophy offers a Certificate in Symbolic Systems. The certificate program takes an interdisciplinary approach to cognition, computation, and meaning. Course work is divided evenly between philosophy, psychology, and computer science in order to expose students to the subject matter from a conceptual, empirical, and practical point of view. The certificate may interest students with majors in any of the three disciplines on topics of common interest.
The certificate consists of 28 semester hours approved by an advisor in the Department of Philosophy and divided evenly between computer science and engineering, psychology, and philosophy as follows:
2. PSY 230 and 290 and either PSY 323, 324, or 437; and
3. either PHI 319, or 333, either PHI 315 or 317, and either
PHI 312 or 314.
Students must satisfy the prerequisites for the listed courses. With written approval from the director of undergraduates studies in the Department of Philosophy, one substitution course from outside this list is allowed. All courses must be passed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.00).
For more information, visit the Department of Philosophy in COOR 3309, or call 480/965-3394.
See Translation Certificate (Spanish/English), for information about the Certificate in Translation.
Women and Gender Studies Certificate
Women and Gender Studies provides students with an intensive interdisciplinary liberal arts education that enables them to write well, think critically, and analyze problems effectively.
The certificate program is equivalent to an interdisciplinary minor, consisting of 18 credit hours. Students pursuing a certificate in Women and Gender Studies must consult with the Women and Gender Studies advisor to select appropriate courses and fulfill requirements.
A Certificate of Concentration in Women and Gender Studies is awarded for the successful completion of WST 100 (or 300) and WST 377 or 378 and an additional 12 semester hours from the list of approved Women and Gender Studies courses.
Inquiries about the certificate program should be addressed to the Women and Gender Studies Program academic advisor in ECA 209, 480/965-2358, where the current list of approved courses is available.
To expand educational horizons and to enrich the curriculum, CLAS maintains the following research centers:
Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Center for Biology and Society
Center for Film and Media Research
Center for Latin American Research
Center for Social Dynamics and Complexity
Center for Solid State Science
Center for the Study of Early Events in Photosynthesis
Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict
Exercise and Sport Research Institute
Joan and David Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics
Russian and East European Studies Center
CLAS also participates with the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education and the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering in maintaining the Center for Research on Education in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology. See Research Centers, for more information.
The faculty also offers the following LIA courses to familiarize students with available resources and services for research purposes.
For information on these courses, see the Online ASU Interactive Schedule of Classes, visit the Office of Undergraduate Programs in FULTN 110, or call 480/965-6506.
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES (LIA)
Information about all courses is available on the Web at ASU Interactive. For more information, see Classification of Courses.
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