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.

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 strong 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.

Students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in earth and space exploration may not pursue a concurrent degree with the BA in earth and environmental studies, the BS in earth and space exploration (astrophysics), the BS in earth and space exploration (astrobiology and biogesciences), the BS in earth and space exploration (exploration systems design), or the BS in earth and space exploration (geological sciences) due to the high level of overlap in curriculum. Students should speak with their academic advisor for any further questions.


Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

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What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • First Required Math Course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
  • Math Intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial




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/request for information about how to change a major to this program.





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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 Arizona, 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 public sector.

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 Engineer

  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: $113,030
Green Occupation

Astronomer

  • Growth: 10.0%
  • Median Salary*: $100,590
  Bright Outlook

Geologist

  • Growth: 14.0%
  • Median Salary*: $89,850
Green Occupation   Bright Outlook

Geology Professor

  • Growth: 9.5%
  • Median Salary*: $87,380
  Bright Outlook

Health Sciences Manager

  • Growth: 9.9%
  • Median Salary*: $118,970
Green Occupation   Bright Outlook

High School Teacher

  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: $59,170

Hydrogeologist

  • Growth: 9.9%
  • Median Salary*: $118,970
Green Occupation   Bright Outlook

Hydrologist

  • Growth: 9.9%
  • Median Salary*: $79,990
Green Occupation   Bright Outlook

Middle School Teacher

  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: $57,720

Physics Professor

  • Growth: 10.0%
  • Median Salary*: $87,340
  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).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu





Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will contact you directly.