Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university located in the state of Arizona, United States. With multiple campuses spread across the Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond, ASU is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the U.S. It was founded in 1885 as the Territorial Normal School at Tempe, making it the oldest institution of higher education in the state of Arizona.

History

The history of ASU began in 1885 when the Territorial Normal School was established primarily for the education of teachers. Over the years, the school underwent several name changes and expansions. In 1945, it was renamed Arizona State College, and in 1958, it achieved university status, becoming Arizona State University.

Campuses

ASU's main campus is located in Tempe, Arizona, with additional campuses in Downtown Phoenix, Mesa (Polytechnic campus), and Glendale (West campus). Each campus has a unique focus and hosts specific colleges and academic programs. ASU also operates ASU Online, offering numerous online degree programs.

Tempe Campus

The Tempe campus is the university's original and largest campus, known for its distinctive architecture and vibrant student life. It houses the majority of ASU's academic programs, research facilities, and student services.

Downtown Phoenix Campus

This campus focuses on programs in health care, journalism, public policy, and law. It is home to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.

Polytechnic Campus

Located in Mesa, the Polytechnic campus emphasizes project-based learning in fields such as engineering, aviation, and technology.

West Campus

The West campus in Glendale offers programs in business, education, and interdisciplinary arts and sciences. It is known for its focus on community engagement and service learning.

Academics

ASU offers over 350 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate and professional degrees through 16 colleges and schools. It is recognized for its innovation in higher education, particularly in areas such as online learning and student entrepreneurship. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".

Research

ASU is a leading research institution, known for its work in sustainability, space exploration, and social sciences, among other areas. It has numerous research centers and institutes, including the Biodesign Institute and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability.

Athletics

The ASU Sun Devils compete in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference. The university has a strong athletic program, with successful teams in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field, among others.

Notable Alumni

ASU has produced a number of notable alumni, including politicians, business leaders, scientists, and artists. Some of the most prominent include Carl Hayden, Barry Goldwater, and Jimmy Kimmel.

External Links

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See Also

• Higher education in the United States
• List of research universities in the United States