Expanding access and impact in graduate education at ASU

Webinar one: Reviewing the 2024–25 academic year

ASUPGA: A seamless pathway to a master’s degree

The ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions (ASUPGA) initiative simplifies the graduate admissions process for high-achieving ASU undergraduates. Eligible students receive an offer to enroll in a mapped master’s program without submitting a traditional application. This model not only reduces barriers but also encourages students who may not have considered graduate school to continue their academic journey.

More than 1,200 students have already enrolled through ASUPGA, contributing to a 13% increase in graduate program enrollment. Programs are also using ASUPGA data to guide recruitment strategies, discover new student pipelines and evaluate potential new accelerated pairings. Centralized dashboards and communication tools help units monitor outcomes and engage eligible students with confidence.

Academic microcertificates: Short, strategic and workforce focused

Academic microcertificates are 9-credit credentials designed for professionals seeking fast, focused graduate-level learning. These stackable options allow learners to acquire skills in high-demand fields, explore new topics or build toward a full degree. They also provide a potential performance-based admission pathway into graduate programs.

Since launching in fall 2024, microcertificate development has expanded across seven academic colleges. The first program, Foundations in Gerontology, is already live, with more under review. ASU has published guidelines, proposal templates and a curriculum development website to help units create and launch microcertificates aligned with industry needs.

Accelerated Master’s Award: Supporting Arizona students

The Accelerated Master’s Award (AMA) provides $1,500 per semester in graduate funding for Arizona residents enrolled in approved accelerated master’s programs. This award is automatically offered to eligible students, helping reduce financial barriers during a critical transition point in their academic journey.

In its first year, the AMA supported 420 students. Early results are strong: 82% of students who received the award in fall 2024 completed their graduate program. AMA funding can also be combined with other forms of support.

Webinar two: Previewing 2025–26 innovations

MAS in advanced studies: A flexible, stackable degree

Launching in fall 2025, the MAS in advanced studies allows students to complete two graduate certificates and earn a customizable master’s degree. This structure supports students who want to advance their careers through targeted learning but may not be ready for a traditional graduate program.

Students select a main certificate (designated with a culminating experience) and a second stackable certificate. Once both are completed, they are awarded a master’s degree and become eligible for financial aid during the program. The MAS is ideal for professionals seeking interdisciplinary or career-specific academic entryways, including ASU employees using qualified tuition reduction benefits.

Performance-based admission: New entryways to graduate programs

A new performance-based admission model launching this fall allows students to earn admission to graduate programs by successfully completing an academic microcertificate or graduate certificate. This approach provides a formal pathway for applicants who may not meet standard admissions criteria due to GPA, academic background or other factors.

Like ASUPGA, performance-based admission uses a streamlined interface where students accept offers instead of reapplying. Academic units define which credentials qualify, GPA thresholds and program mappings. The goal is to expand access while maintaining high academic standards.

AI-powered chatbot: Dr. Format

To help students navigate the thesis and dissertation formatting process, the Graduate College will be launching an AI-powered chatbot. Available 24/7 on all format web pages, this tool provides step-by-step guidance, answers frequently asked questions and directs more complex inquiries to format advisors.

This new tool is expected to launch in fall 2025 and will enhance the student experience during a critical stage of degree completion, allowing format advisors to spend more time addressing complex situations with students.

Program handbook repository: Centralized and searchable

Also coming this fall, a new program handbook repository will integrate into the iPOS system. This tool ensures students can easily access the correct handbook for their program and catalog year, making program expectations more transparent and consistent.

Units will upload handbooks through a new PeopleSoft interface. Once live, handbooks will display within each student’s iPOS portal, streamlining how students and staff access degree-specific policies.

Graduate faculty updates: Clearer access and improved search

In spring 2026, ASU will launch a new Graduate Faculty Finder that expands visibility beyond doctoral programs. For the first time, students in certificate, master’s and professional doctorate programs will be able to search for endorsed faculty by program, name, keyword or endorsement category.

The new interface will include career-track and affiliated faculty, provide clearer role definitions and support annual review and renewal processes. Over time, faculty endorsements will include a required mentoring module to ensure all advisors are equipped with current, evidence-based advising practices.

Looking ahead

Together, these initiatives showcase ASU’s continued commitment to making graduate education more accessible, personalized and impactful. Whether it’s increasing enrollment through ASUPGA, reimagining degrees through stackable options or supporting students through new tools and funding, the Graduate College is working to remove barriers and empower learners across every stage.