Arizona State University Campus Immersion invites students to be part of a vibrant, expansive academic community renowned for its innovation and commitment to public good. Classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity" institution, ASU stands as one of the largest public universities in the United States, offering a dynamic environment where groundbreaking research meets real-world impact.
The university's journey began modestly in 1885 as the Territorial Normal School, tasked with training teachers for the burgeoning Arizona Territory. Over the decades, it steadily expanded its mission and scope, undergoing several name changes reflecting its growth—from Tempe Normal School to Tempe State Teachers College, and eventually becoming Arizona State University in 1958 through a decisive vote by the state's citizens. Early leaders envisioned an "evergreen campus," giving rise to iconic landmarks like Palm Walk and laying the foundation for a truly comprehensive university.
Today, ASU's academic strengths are vast, encompassing over 400 undergraduate and more than 450 graduate degree programs across 16 colleges and numerous cross-discipline centers. Beyond the classroom, students experience a rich campus life, deeply integrated into the culture of the Arizona Sun Devils. ASU's athletic programs compete fiercely in NCAA Division I, boasting an impressive 165 national championships and 60 Olympic medals won by its student-athletes. The university also prides itself on an esteemed faculty, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and members of national academies, all contributing to an exceptional learning and research environment for a diverse student body.