Earth and Space Exploration (Astrobiology and Biogeosciences), BS
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
-
Math Intensity:
Substantial
- Initial Math Course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
Required Courses (Major Map)
Program Description
Astrobiology and biogeosciences are closely related: biogeosciences inform the exploration for life on other worlds, while astrobiology motivates exploration of life's limits on Earth.
The astrobiology and biogeosciences concentration in the BS program in Earth and space exploration teaches students a strong and rigorous foundation in geology, biology, chemistry and astronomy. Participants develop the systems-thinking perspective needed to:
- contribute to the search for life on other planets
- study how the integrated Earth-life system evolves and responds to global environmental challenges
- understand the complex and evolving diversity and distribution of life on Earth
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Astrophysics and Astronomy
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
Next Steps to attend ASU
Learn about our programs
Apply to a program
Visit our campus
Affording College
Tuition calculator
Scholarships
Financial aid
Career Outlook
Graduates of the astrobiology and biogeosciences program are well prepared for graduate studies in two rapidly advancing fields. They are also well suited for careers in earth sciences, environmental sciences and space sciences. More broadly, the program provides training across a range of sciences and a "systems thinking" perspective, giving students a strong background for careers in biomedical or sustainability areas, as well as science education, writing or policy.
Career opportunities include:
- astronomer
- data analyst or scientist
- ecologist or natural resource manager
- environmental monitoring and exposure assessor
- environmental or sustainability consultant
- environmental protection or remediation scientist, consultant or manager
- geoscientist
- hydrogeologist
- science policy consultant
- science teacher
Career settings include:
- educational institutions
- environmental consulting firms
- environmental engineering firms
- federal, state and local government agencies
- museums or planetariums
- NASA and NSF facilities
- national laboratories
- nonprofit organizations
- observatories
- space industry organizations
For more information, please see thecareer opportunities page on the School of Earth and Space Exploration website.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.5%
- Median Salary*: 80720
Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Environmental Restoration Planners
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 4.2%
- Median Salary*: 83040
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Growth: 5.1%
- Median Salary*: 87480
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.6%
- Median Salary*: 97770
Natural Sciences Managers
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: 144440
Water Resource Specialists
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: 144440
Industrial Ecologists
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
Space exploration is an international endeavor, and an international experience provides students opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and improvement of language and communication skills. Global Education programs allow students to take relevant classes while living in another country. Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options provide an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career and personal enrichment. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs encourage students to build communication skills, challenge them to adapt and persevere, expose them to differences across the world and increase their ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- sese-advising@asu.edu
- 480/965-5081