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.

Program Description

The BS in earth and space exploration with a concentration in astrophysics is designed to offer students a fundamental grounding in astronomy and astrophysics, with exposure to the related fields of geology, planetary science and engineering. Students emerge from this program with the required skills for a career in astrophysics, physics or related fields.

The rigorous and quantitative coursework includes a combination of physics courses taught in the ASU School of Earth and Space Exploration and the Department of Physics. The tools of astronomical discovery are increasingly dependent on technological advances, and students are exposed to engineering principles and computer programming. Through the capstone project in the senior year, students gain valuable experience in translating science drivers into engineering solutions.

Students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in earth and space exploration (astrophysics) may not pursue a concurrent degree with the BA in earth and environmental studies, the BS in earth and space exploration, 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

Online Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

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 270 - Calculus w/Analytic Geometry 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.





Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs

Apply to a program

Visit our campus

Affording College

Tuition calculator

Scholarships

Financial aid

Career Outlook

Career opportunities include but are not limited to:

  • aerospace engineer
  • astrobiologist
  • astronomer
  • computer programmer
  • data analyst
  • instrumentation specialist
  • planetary scientist
  • science policy intern
  • science writer
  • teacher
  • telescope operator

Career settings include:

  • federal government
  • K-12 schools
  • manufacturing
  • museums
  • NASA facilities
  • national laboratories
  • NSF facilities
  • observatories
  • planetariums
  • publishing
  • space industries
  • universities and colleges

Some of the listed careers may require advanced degrees or additional certifications. This program also provides suitable preparation for graduate study.

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

Electrical Engineering Professor

  • Growth: 14.6%
  • Median Salary*: $98,360
  Bright Outlook

Engineering Manager

  • Growth: 5.5%
  • Median Salary*: $137,720
Green Occupation

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

Physicist

  • Growth: 14.5%
  • Median Salary*: $118,830
  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.