Social and behavioral sciences

Interdisciplinary at its core, this social data science master’s draws from sociology, data science, technology and ethics. You’ll develop into a well-rounded practitioner who understands the complexities of using social theory and data science to both meet organizational needs and protect social well-being. Additionally, you'll learn how to use analytics to glean insights, draw conclusions and influence social processes.

In your courses, you’ll build a foundation for ethically using big data to:

• Anticipate future social challenges.
• Critically examine the flows of data in society.
• Hold corporations accountable for how they use the data they collect.
• Reduce the misuse of data.
• Solve social problems.

The skills you’ll develop in this social data science master’s program

This program prepares you to become fluent in data science approaches and use technology to create solutions that positively impact society. You’ll build technical skills in quantitative analysis and programming, as well as theoretical skills in understanding how data can be used and misused to influence social policy. Additional social data science skills you’ll gain include:

• Community organization.
• Data scraping, cleaning and analysis.
• Database creation and maintenance.
• Program analysis and assessment.
• Python programming language.
• Social media analytics.
• Team building and leadership.
• Visualization of data.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

A variety of backgrounds and professional experiences complement this social data science master’s program. Ideal candidates may be technologists who are interested in the social dynamics of technology. Those with non-technical backgrounds who want to learn how to use data and technology more effectively may also be a good fit.

This program intentionally trains a variety of candidates to reflect the diversity of those who are affected by datafication. We deliberately seek to uplift professionals who are traditionally underrepresented in data-related fields. As a graduate, you’ll be equipped to analyze, interpret and implement data findings to help organizations and policymakers make informed decisions.

Technology is a powerful force shaping local, national and global futures. With care and attention centered on the public interest, technological advancements can improve human rights, social justice, sustainability and environmental justice. This public interest technology master’s trains leaders whose expertise involves helping organizations interact with people as global citizens rather than simply consumers.

Upon graduating, you can assess emerging technologies, engage with community stakeholders, identify issues of public interest, develop public consensus and deploy technologies that benefit humanity. You’ll also understand how to use technology to address socio-technical challenges, such as privacy encroachment, data breaches, unsustainable practices, humanitarian crises, energy inefficiencies and more.

The skills you’ll develop

This public interest technology master’s is unique because it focuses on social responsibility, rather than emphasizing programming and other technical competencies. This includes increasing your technological fluency and ability to work alongside professionals in policy, regulatory, business and sales contexts. Additionally, you’ll develop the skills needed to:

• Complete requirement analysis and feasibility studies.
• Conduct value propositions and impact assessments.
• Construct problem definitions and engage in needs assessments.
• Consult with stakeholders and write reports.
• Create high-level designs and business cases.
• Write media releases to reach a target audience and methodologies for research across organizational types.

Who’s a good candidate for this master’s program?

Candidates with a wide variety of backgrounds can be an excellent fit for this program, from engineering and the natural sciences to the social sciences and humanities. As an applicant, you should be a risk-taker who wants to engage the public and learn about social systems. Ideal candidates also want to make positive changes in the world and believe technology is an invaluable asset.

Regardless of your academic and professional experiences before starting the program, you’ll graduate as a skilled advisor and designer of a publicly oriented, technological future. All graduates are prepared to shape society through stakeholder engagement, co-design processes and anticipatory governance.

Political psychology is an interdisciplinary field that applies theories of cognition, emotion, biology, personality and intergroup relationships to politics. While this field is similar to political science, there are some key differences. Political scientists focus primarily on examining political institutions and systems of government, whereas political psychologists focus on understanding the forces shaping individuals’ political beliefs and actions.

A political psychology master’s degree teaches you how to interpret the science behind political decision-making. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand voter behavior, public opinion, campaign strategy and more. These insights can help explain why elections and other important political events unfold as they do.

Dive into the psychology of political thought and behavior

How easy is it for political leaders to manipulate the masses? What causes political violence? Why are people inclined to accept political misinformation? In this political psychology master’s degree, you’ll explore the answers to these and other pressing political questions.

A psychological approach to politics helps you understand the roots of political decision-making, behavior and public opinion. The majority of coursework focuses on how citizens form their political beliefs and what motivates them to take part in politics. You’ll take advanced courses exploring how the media, partisan polarization, social identity and other factors affect citizens’ political decisions and interactions with government. You’ll also analyze the psychological concepts behind elite decision-making, prejudice, political violence and more.

Your courses break down how to apply these insights to political campaigns and communications. You'll learn the necessary skills to mobilize voters, market a political candidate, craft campaign strategies and more. You’ll discover how to design experiments and obtain the information you need to better understand voters’ opinions and motivations.

Sustainability is top of mind in today’s workplace, and advancing your skills can position you to meet the growing demand for leadership in this field. In this program, you’ll tackle real-world sustainability challenges using case studies from your own workplace. You’ll explore global strategies for sustainability communication, leadership and decision-making to gain practical tools for creating meaningful change. Leadership-focused electives further refine your ability to drive initiatives forward.

Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills to:

• Apply solutions-based knowledge and tools for institutional development.
• Build and communicate cases for sustainability initiatives in organizations.
• Gain critical knowledge, approaches and tools for sustainability leadership.
• Lead institutional change and development toward sustainability.
• Understand the emerging global sustainability context.

Interact with executive-level sustainability managers and strategists

This program features an immersive, weeklong, three-credit course in a major U.S. metropolitan city. This experience connects you with top sustainability leaders who share insights on overcoming challenges and implementing solutions. Site visits to corporations, nonprofits and government agencies provide real-world context, while collaborative sessions with your cohort offer opportunities to brainstorm strategies and build practical consultancy experience.

You’ll also be guided by experienced faculty with expertise in sustainability science, business and governance. They’ll mentor you throughout the program and share integrated, practical knowledge on how to implement sustainable practices effectively.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

This program is designed for professionals with at least five years of experience who want to advance their sustainability expertise. Whether you work in business, engineering, education, health care or another field, this program equips you to lead sustainability efforts and elevate your career.

If you’re early in your career or need more flexibility, our Master of Sustainability Leadership program may be a better choice. The curriculum is almost identical, but it doesn’t offer an immersive experience in a major U.S. metropolitan city.

Throughout this program, you’ll learn key issues, theories and applied practices related to global justice and humanitarianism. You’ll also address how intersecting dimensions of social identity influence human rights, including gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality and nationality.

While studying these topics, you’ll gain the skills needed to design research projects and write grants to support the research and practice of social justice and human rights nonprofit managers and scholars.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

This program aligns with those who have previous experience in human rights and social justice work or a general interest in these topics. However, the most important factor for interested students is a passion for understanding social injustice. As long as you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, you can apply to this program.

Why it’s worth it to get a master’s in social justice and human rights

In addition to advancing your career, earning a master's in human rights and social justice is a great way to determine what social justice and human rights issues you’re most passionate about. To graduate from this program, you’re required to complete a wide range of thematic courses and a capstone e-portfolio. Not only does this allow you to build on existing knowledge and experience, but it’s also a great way to deepen your understanding and gain new skills. Topics you’ll explore include:

• Gender-based violence and sex trafficking.
• International law and organizations.
• Migration, asylum and refugees.

You’ll also have opportunities to participate in original research focused on immigration. Learn more about this research.

Global cybersecurity addresses digital threats that impact national security, international aid efforts and private-sector groups around the world. In this program, you'll examine the challenges posed by various threat actors, from state-sponsored hackers to decentralized criminal networks. You’ll also explore how cyber strategy, policy and defence mechanisms evolve and respond.

Courses are taught by leading experts from ASU’s Center on the Future of War and D.C.-based think tank New America, including former U.S. Cyber Command leadership and internationally recognized scholars. Case studies and policy exercises are grounded in real-world scenarios. These depict current cybersecurity trends, legal frameworks and strategic decision-making at the high levels.

Throughout the program, you’ll learn to:

• Analyze global cyber threats, including infrastructure risks, cybercrime and digital espionage.
• Examine the roles of government, private industry and international actors in cybersecurity strategy.
• Navigate policy development, legal frameworks and ethical considerations in cyber defense.
• Understand deterrence, attribution and resiliency in response to evolving digital threats.

Choosing the right global security master’s program for you

This program offers the flexibility to align your studies with your career goals by choosing from three tracks:

• Cybersecurity concentration: Focuses on cyber threats, digital infrastructure and the intersection of technology and security policy.
  • Ideal for careers in intelligence, cybersecurity policy, government agencies, defense contracting and tech-sector security roles.
• Global security (general track): Presents a broad, interdisciplinary approach to global conflict, cooperation and security.
  • Ideal for careers in diplomacy, humanitarian work, international organizations, journalism and public policy.
• Irregular warfare concentration: Emphasizes nontraditional conflict, insurgency, terrorism and counterterrorism. Ideal for military professionals, veterans, security analysts and those working in national defense, intelligence or international conflict response.