Earth and Space Exploration (Geological Sciences), BS


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.

Program Description

Geological science is the study of earth and other planets with an emphasis on the processes that have shaped them since the origin of the solar system. Students explore topics such as the co-evolution of life, oceans, atmosphere and the earth's climate system, and the record of that evolution encoded in rocks, soil, ice and isotopes.

The BS program in earth and space exploration with a concentration in geological sciences educates students in the fundamentals of geological sciences, providing a solid background in chemistry, mathematics and physics as well as mineralogy, structural geology, field geology and a variety of geologic subdisciplines.

Students gain a strong understanding of field methods as well as modern computing, remote sensing and instrumentation to effectively study the natural environment and earth's resources. Graduates of the program can apply their knowledge for the benefit of Arizona, the nation and society in general.

In addition to 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.



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



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:

Astrophysics and Astronomy, MS

Prepare yourself to discover new planets, explore cosmology, and build space-flight hardware and instruments for telescopes and satellites. You can work with world-class faculty on NASA- and NSF-funded space missions, seeking answers to questions about how our universe began and how it continues to evolve.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation), MS

Prepare for your professional or academic career with a program that combines the strengths of science and engineering. You can work with faculty in the natural sciences and engineering to design instrumentation for exploration, including digital systems and circuits, computer-controlled systems, analog-to-digital converters and solid-state electronics.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Exploration Systems Design, MS

Become a part of the next generation of researchers, those who are capable of inventing and implementing the next generation of scientific experiments, instruments and missions for Earth, planetary and space explorations.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering), MS

Prepare for a professional or academic career through this program that combines the creative strengths of science and engineering. You can study artificial intelligence, human factors engineering, smart materials and structures, and robot modeling with faculty specializing in the natural sciences, instrumentation design and systems engineering.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks), MS

Combine your interests in exploration systems design and sensor networks with the strengths of science and engineering to prepare for a professional or academic career. Study computer networks, Earth systems engineering, multidimensional signal processing, and information and random signal theory with faculty who specialize in the natural sciences and instrumentation design.

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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Career Outlook

Graduates in geological sciences are prepared for employment in a variety of geoscience-related fields and for continued studies toward higher educational degrees. The geological science degree program provides broad training in the geosciences and supporting sciences, opening up diverse opportunities for employment in industry, government, education and other organizations. Geological science graduates understand how to approach diverse societal issues, such as water resources, mineral resources, geologic hazards, engineering geology and government regulations.

Sample careers include:

  • environmental geologist
  • geological engineer
  • geologist
  • government geologist
  • mineral exploration geologist
  • petroleum geologist
  • science policy intern
  • science writer
  • water resources scientist

Sample career settings include:

  • environmental industry
  • federal, state, and local government agencies
  • geotechnical industry
  • museums
  • petroleum industry
  • publishers
  • small exploration companies and large mining companies

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:

Environmental Analyst


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: $64,460

Forester


  • Growth: 2.4%
  • Median Salary*: $64,220

Geologist


  • Growth: 5.1%
  • Median Salary*: $87,480

Geology Professor


  • Growth: 3.6%
  • Median Salary*: $97,770

Hydrogeologist


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: $144,440

Hydrologist


  • Growth: 1.5%
  • Median Salary*: $85,990

Park Ranger


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: $64,460

* 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

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