Earth and Space Exploration ,BS
Climate, Earth Science, Environment, Exploration, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Moon, NASA, Planetary Science, Rocks, Space, Water, approved for STEM-OPT extension, earth, geology, minerals
Learn about our planet, solar system and universe by combining science, engineering and education. You could be involved in building spaceflight hardware; making astronomical observations; discovering new microbes; exploring volcanoes, oceans and glaciers; investigating Earth--climate interactions; and setting the stage for a new era of exploration.
The Bachelor of Science 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 reviewing 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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
- Math
intensity: Substantial
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® 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 they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Space exploration is an international endeavor, and an international experience provides students with opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and improvement of language and communication skills. Global Education allows students to take relevant classes while they live in another country. Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options enables students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career as well as 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.
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 BS 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 the 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
- National Science Foundation facilities
- observatories
- space industry organizations
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
6.1%
|
$126,880
|
|
|
8.3%
|
$74,410
|
|
|
4.6%
|
$128,330
|
|
|
35.2%
|
$103,500
|
|
|
5.1%
|
$87,480
|
|
|
4.8%
|
$144,440
|
|
|
1.0%
|
$62,360
|
|
|
0.8%
|
$61,810
|
|
|
6.9%
|
$79,960
|
School of Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
sese-advising@asu.edu
480-965-5081
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
