Earth and Space Exploration (Exploration Systems Design) ,BS
Earth Science, Earth Systems Engineer, Earth Systems Engineering, Earth and Space Sciences, Hardware, Instrument, NASA, Software, Space, approved for STEM-OPT extension, earth
Cross the boundaries of science and engineering while preparing for a new era of exploration. Learn to build spaceflight hardware, engineer solutions to explore extreme environments, and take a systems-based approach to scientific discovery.
The Bachelor of Science program in Earth and space exploration with a concentration in exploration systems design offers students a fundamental curriculum in geology, physics and astrophysics while providing tools that enable them to design and build hardware and software to explore Earth and the universe beyond.
The program has a rigorous and quantitative grounding in the fundamentals of physics, mathematics and chemistry. Coursework focuses on conceiving the requirements needed for a mission or project destined for space or extreme environments on Earth. All students are expected to complete a senior project that takes a desired scientific measurement and realizes the technological solution to achieve the observation.
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.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Design technological approaches to solving research problems in the earth and space sciences.
- Function effectively in a team-based, interdisciplinary environment to solve complex problems in earth and space science, using an engineering approach and a set of options, including cost, risk, and schedule.
- Effectively apply crucial skills for employment including communication, creative and critical thinking, inquiry and analysis, and problem solving.
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 enables 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 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 improve their ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Graduates have the skills required for a career in systems engineering, space systems engineering, scientific instrument engineering and engineering-focused careers in astronomy, geoscience and planetary science, opening up diverse opportunities for employment in industry, government, education and other organizations. They are also prepared to pursue graduate school in astrophysics, physics and engineering, or to perform laboratory research or data-intensive analyses that facilitate scientific progress or inform public policy.
Career opportunities include:
- astronomer
- computer software quality engineer
- computer systems architect
- engineering or technical services manager
- planetary scientist
- research scientist or instrumentation specialist
- science policy consultant
- science teacher (K--12)
- space systems engineer
- systems engineer
Career settings include:
- aerospace industry organizations
- educational institutions
- federal, state and local government agencies
- manufacturing centers
- NASA centers
- National Science Foundation facilities
- museums or planetariums
- national laboratories
- observatories
- space industry organizations
For more information, students can see the career opportunities page on the School of Earth and Space Exploration website.
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
|
|
|
9.7%
|
$98,740
|
|
|
4.2%
|
$103,320
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$159,920
|
|
|
5.1%
|
$87,480
|
|
|
10.0%
|
$96,310
|
|
|
6.2%
|
$95,370
|
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.
