Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation), MS
Program Description
Degree Awarded: Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation), MS
The MS program in exploration systems design with a concentration in instrumentation promotes the development and growth of engineering-literate scientists and science-literate engineers who are interested in the design, construction and implementation of scientific instrumentation. Its unique curriculum combines science applications with engineering knowledge and skills through engineering and science courses focused on Earth science, space science and astrophysics. The concentration trains students to design the next generation of in-situ or remote sensing instrumentation for exploration of the Earth, space and the universe.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Second Language Requirement: No
Degree Requirements
Required Core (5 credit hours)
SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)
SES 510 Graduate Exploration Project I (3)
Concentration (9 credit hours)
AST 540 Astronomical Instrumentation and Data Analysis (3)
EEE 543 Antenna Analysis and Design (3)
EEE 545 Microwave Circuit Design (3)
EEE 548 Coherent Optics (3)
EGR 608 Advanced Simulation (3)
MAE 503 Finite Elements in Engineering (3)
MAE 557 Mechanics of Composite Materials (3)
Electives or Research (13 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
SES 511 Graduate Exploration Project II (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students select three courses from the available concentration coursework.
For elective coursework, students select from the AST, GLG, SES or engineering courses in consultation with their faculty advisor. Six credit hours must be science coursework approved by the faculty advisor. Other courses can be used with academic unit approval.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, physical science or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- written statement
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Career Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that the economy will add an additional 63,000 jobs in engineering fields related to instrumentation and exploration systems design (involving electrical and electronics, aerospace and mechanical engineering). This is in addition to the 900,000 jobs already existing in the economy in these fields. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm)
The state of Arizona has a considerable presence from aerospace and other technology companies with high demand for skilled labor. In particular, local aerospace companies have high demand for students with direct experience and training in the space sector. The concentration in instrumentation is uniquely positioned to provide this training.
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:
BSE - Electrical Engineering
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BSE - Electrical Engineering (Electric Power and Energy Systems)
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Earth and Space Exploration (Astrobiology and Biogeosciences)
Explore the chemistry and geology of life on earth, especially life in extreme environments, and make astronomical observations while developing tools to study the habitability of other planets. Foster a unique, interdisciplinary view of the Earth and the universe beyond by combining the fields of Earth science, chemistry and astrophysics in this program.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Earth and Space Exploration (Astrophysics)
Do you want to be at the edge of exploration, making new discoveries about our planet, our solar system and our universe? As an astrophysics major, you could be discovering new planets, exploring cosmology, designing and building space-flight hardware, and engineering new instruments for telescopes and satellites.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Earth and Space Exploration
As an earth and space exploration major, you learn about our planet, solar system and universe by combining science, engineering and education. You could be involved in building space-flight 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.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Earth and Space Exploration (Exploration Systems Design)
As an earth and space exploration major, you will be crossing the boundaries of science and engineering while preparing for a new era of exploration. In the exploration systems design concentration you can build space-flight hardware, engineer solutions to explore extreme environments and take a systems-based approach to scientific discovery.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Earth and Space Exploration (Geological Sciences)
Explore earth by applying field and laboratory techniques to understand how rocks form, mountains are built, volcanoes erupt and earthquakes happen. You learn to solve scientific problems aimed at understanding the fundamental processes responsible for the evolution of our planet.
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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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.
- 480/965-5081