Earth and Space Exploration, 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
The BS program in Earth and space exploration offers students an integrated education across Earth sciences, planetary sciences, astrophysics and engineering. The degree program incorporates a learning community that includes science and engineering students, a yearlong collaborative capstone senior exploration project and strong quantitative preparation.
This foundation in geosciences, astrophysics and exploration engineering prepares students for key roles in Earth resources and exploration, environmental and geologic engineering, space research and industry, and water and environmental use policy.
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.
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Career Outlook
The Earth and space exploration major addresses critical future shortfalls in the national and regional training of the next generation of geoscientists and aerospace engineers.
Arizona has an expanding space industry with major new investments and is prepared to engage new technologies to monitor and understand environmental issues in the state, the Southwest and throughout the world.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Earth and space exploration have the tools, knowledge and understanding to address key problems of a global nature, whether they are working in the private or public sector.
Career opportunities include:
- analytical lab technician
- astronomer
- data analyst
- geoscientist
- instrumentation specialist
- museum director
- planetary scientist
- research scientist
- science teacher
- science writer
Career settings include:
- aerospace industry organizations
- educational institutions
- federal, state and local government agencies
- manufacturing centers
- museums or planetariums
- NASA facilities
- national laboratories
- NSF facilities
- observatories
- space industry organizations
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:
Aerospace Engineers
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 126880
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Growth: 8.3%
- Median Salary*: 74410
Astronomers
- Growth: 4.6%
- Median Salary*: 128330
Data Scientists
- Growth: 35.2%
- Median Salary*: 103500
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Growth: 5.1%
- Median Salary*: 87480
Natural Sciences Managers
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: 144440
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Growth: 1%
- Median Salary*: 62360
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Growth: 0.8%
- Median Salary*: 61810
Technical Writers
- Growth: 6.9%
- Median Salary*: 79960
* 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 allows 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