- Year Established: 1885
- Location: Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Arizona
- Number of Campuses: 4 university campuses
- Classification: Public Research University
- Total Number of Enrollees: 51,612*
*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2005 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System IPEDS, Spring 2006
A Brief Look into the History of the Arizona State University
If there is one educational establishment in the United States which has a long and rich history, full of diverse character, bound-up in that history, it has got to be Arizona State University; this facility had a unique start. Take for example the fact that the central, core section of this Tempe, Arizona College campus was originally a twenty-acre cow pasture donated by outstanding local citizens who wanted a place to train public school teachers. Ultimately, these locally-taught teachers were to instruct their children in mechanical and agriculture arts to continue the farming heritage of the local community. Although it has been through much iteration in the interim, this research university was first established in Tempe, Arizona many years ago in 1885.
Since Arizona State University was originally a teachers college with a focused curriculum of agriculture and the mechanical arts it had some barriers to overcome before becoming a full-scope general university. Prior to the university acquiring its current name, it was called the Normal School of Arizona. In 1901 it became the Arizona State Teachers College. In 1945, the name was officially changed to Arizona State College. It was only in 1958 – when the college performed all the functions of a regular university that it officially became the Arizona State University.
Today, the Arizona State University is subdivided into four campuses, including the Tempe, West, Polytechnic and the Downtown Phoenix Campus.
How the Educational System Works
Arizona State University educational institution as a whole operates as one university disbursing their specialties in various locations. Basically, the educational system works in such a way that the four distinctive campuses each have a different focus.
1. Tempe Campus
At the Tempe campus, the main priority lies on research and graduate education. Arizona State University also offers an undergraduate education which is analytic and preparatory for graduate school, professional school or direct employment.
2. West Campus
At the West campus in Phoenix, the main focus is interdisciplinary liberal arts education. They also have professional programs which directly connect with the community.
3. Polytechnic Campus
Technical education is the main focus of the Polytechnic Campus in Mesa. Here, the instructors make sure that the students are well-prepared for being part of the growing technologically-oriented workforce.
4. Downtown Phoenix Campus
The downtown campus of the Arizona State University in Phoenix focuses on direct urban and public connection programs.
Program Listings
Arizona State University offers more than 250 academic undergraduate programs and majors. They also offer graduate programs, minors and certificates. Here is a list of some of the programs they have by areas of interest:
- Architecture, Construction and Design
- Artistic Expression and Performance
- Biological Sciences, Health and Wellness
- Business, Management and Economics
- Communication and Media
- Computing and Mathematics
- Education and Teaching
- Engineering and Technology
- Environmental Issues and Physical Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Languages and Cultures
- Law and Justice
- Social Science, Policies and Issues
Visit the official website of the Arizona State University to learn more about the specific courses that you can enroll in.
Advantages of Enrolling at the Arizona State University
No matter which of the four Arizona State University campuses you choose, there is a host of advantages that will advance your education and eventual career.
- You can be part of the Arizona State University's vision to be part of the " New American University" experience. This means that you and your alumni will be focused on promoting excellence in research among the students and faculty. The university also expands the student’s scope by focusing on working with communities to have a positive social and economic impact.
- If you enroll at the Arizona State University “Tempe Campus, you’ll be part of one of the largest campuses in the nation. Even though the shear size of this campus is at times intimidating, you can rest assured each student will be given the attention they are due by a dedicated faculty and staff aligned with the “ New American University” vision.
- There are more than 250 undergraduate academic programs to choose from – so you have an extremely diverse choice of study.
- The Arizona State University also offers numerous online courses so those who have varying work and personal circumstances can take their classroom lessons home with them.
Is There Any Downside to Enrolling at the Arizona State University?
If there is one disadvantage to making the Arizona State University your educational institution of choice – it is probably the fact that with 4 great campuses and more than 250 undergraduate courses and programs to choose from the choice a course of study and specific class choices may be a daunting task!
A Final Word about the Quality of Education Offered by the Arizona State University
The university boasts of record-breaking enrollment figures. No matter which campus it is that you wish to enroll at – you can rest assured individual attention will be provided for each student by highly skilled and focused instructors with a vision and quest for new world excellence and a desire to see America gain a distinct advantage in the new, highly competitive globalised world. |