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Planetary Science, Certificate

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Minors and Certificates
  3. Planetary Science, Certificate (Certificate)



At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Explore strange new worlds in our solar system and beyond. Learn how to assess their geologic evolution, surface environments and atmospheres and how to search for possible biosignatures. Acquire new skills to enhance your preparation for exciting careers, with opportunities in the burgeoning space exploration industry in Arizona and across the nation.

Program Description

The certificate program in planetary science prepares undergraduate students in topics related to the formation and evolution of planetary bodies and associated remote sensing technologies employed in these studies. The program includes specific training in the origins of planetary systems, tectonics, volcanism, geomorphology and remote mapping of surficial geology using spacecraft and land-based observational data. Additional skills may include understanding of planetary atmospheres, astrobiology, geodynamics and cosmochemistry.

This interdisciplinary program prepares students for technical career paths and helps prepare them to best engage with exciting opportunities at the frontier of planetary exploration.


Program Requirements

The certificate requires a minimum of 18 credit hours. At least 12 credit hours must be completed in upper-division coursework and at least nine credit hours must be completed at ASU. At least six upper-division hours in the certificate must be completed in courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher is required for each course used to fulfill a certificate requirement.
Required Courses (9-10 credit hours) -- 9 credit hours
AST 111: Introduction to Solar Systems Astronomy (SCIT OR SQ) or GLG 101: Introduction to Geology I (Physical) (SCIT OR SQ) or SES 100: Introduction to Exploration (QTRS OR CS) or SES 106: Habitable Worlds (SCIT OR SQ) or SES 107: A Solar System Journey (SCIT OR SG) or SES 121: Earth, Solar System and Universe (SCIT OR SQ) (3-4)
GLG 404: Fundamentals of Planetary Geology (3)
SES 421: Foundations of Planetary Science (3)
Electives (choose three) -- 9 credit hours
AST 494: Exoplanets (3)
GLG 321: Mineralogy or GLG 424: Petrology (3)
GLG 362: Geomorphology (3)
GLG 406: Geology of Mars (3)
GLG 418: Geophysics or GLG 419: Geodynamics (3)
GLG 420: Volcanology or GLG 422: Planetary Volcanology (3)
GLG 485: Meteorites and Cosmochemistry (3)
GLG 490: Remote Sensing (3)
SES 294: Introduction to Space Weather (3)
SES 311: Essentials of Astrobiology: Exploration for Life in the Universe or GLG 460: Astrobiology (3)
SES 494: Geology of Venus (3)
SES 494: Planetary Interiors (3)

Students may also use other courses as electives, especially special topics courses (SES/AST/GLG 494 and/or GLG 490), chosen in consultation with an academic advisor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

Certificate courses may have prerequisites, and the most common are listed below. Additional enrollment requirements may include completion of these courses or their equivalents with a "C" or higher:

  • GLG 101: Introduction to Geology I (Physical) and GLG 103: Laboratory; or SES 121: Earth, Solar System and Universe, and SES 123: Laboratory
  • a math course at the level of MAT 266: Calculus for Engineers II or higher
  • a chemistry course at the level of CHM 113: General Chemistry I or higher
  • a physics course at the level of PHY 121: University Physics I: Mechanics and PHY 122: Laboratory or higher

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Career Outlook

The employment prospects for graduates who complete the planetary science certificate are enhanced by the potential for opportunities at the intersection of these fields. Opportunities include these positions:

  • community college or university educator teaching earth science or astronomy classes
  • docent at a science museum or planetarium
  • faculty member or researcher at a university, working on federally funded planetary science research, instruments or missions
  • K--12 educator for a program with an earth science or astronomy curriculum
  • researcher at an aerospace company contracted to build subsystems, instruments or missions for federally funded planetary science research

In Arizona, such opportunities are offered at institutions that include the public universities, Mesa Community College, the United States Geological Survey, Lowell Observatory and the Planetary Science Institute. Arizona companies that employ people in these fields include World View, Paragon, FreeFall Aerospace, General Dynamics, Qwaltec and KinetX. National companies include Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Ball, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, Intuitive Machines, Firefly Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Axiom, Planet Labs, Blue Canyon Technologies, Astrobotic and ispace.

Graduates may also find employment in federal labs or as congressional staff.

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.

Astronomers

  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128330
  Bright Outlook

Data Scientists

  • Growth: 35.2%
  • Median Salary*: 103500
  Bright Outlook

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

  • Growth: 5.1%
  • Median Salary*: 87480
  Bright Outlook

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

  • Growth: 3.6%
  • Median Salary*: 97770

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

Biochemists and Biophysicists

  • Growth: 6.7%
  • Median Salary*: 103810
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook | Green Occupation Green Occupation



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


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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