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Astronomical and Planetary Sciences, BS

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  3. Astronomical and Planetary Sciences, BS

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    online
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: Moderate program math intensity moderate
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus

Required Courses (Major Map)

Online Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

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Explore humanity's place in the universe, from a near-Earth orbit to the edge of the observable universe. In the process of your scientific inquiry, you develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.

Program Description

The online BS program in astronomical and planetary sciences provides broad training in the scientific foundations required to understand and communicate the fundamentals of space exploration and ongoing advances in the field.

The degree program includes groundwork in mathematics and physical sciences, topical courses focused on diverse fields within astronomy and planetary science, and exposure to the engineering and computational tools and techniques used to carry out research.

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.




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.


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Career Outlook

Graduates pursue careers in fields that value the quantitative and technical skills taught as part of an astronomy education. These include K-12 STEM teaching positions, science and technology journalism and writing careers, technical careers involving statistical data analysis or computer programming, or technical positions supporting space and research industry and policy.

Career opportunities include:

  • analytical lab technician
  • astronomer
  • data analyst
  • instrumentation specialist
  • museum director
  • planetary scientist
  • research scientist
  • science teacher
  • science writer
  • telescope operator

Career settings include:

  • aerospace industry organizations
  • educational institutions
  • federal, state and local government agencies
  • manufacturing centers
  • museums or planetariums
  • NASA facilities
  • national laboratories
  • NSF facilities
  • observatories
  • space industry organizations

For more information, students can visit thecareer opportunities page on the School of Earth and Space Exploration website.

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 Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

  • Growth: 8.3%
  • Median Salary*: 74410
  Bright Outlook

Astronomers

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

Computer Programmers

  • Growth: -11.2%
  • Median Salary*: 97800

Statistical Assistants

  • Growth: -1.7%
  • Median Salary*: 48880

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

  • Growth: 0.7%
  • Median Salary*: 61690

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

  • Growth: 0.8%
  • Median Salary*: 61810

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: 65000

Technical Writers

  • Growth: 6.9%
  • Median Salary*: 79960
  Bright Outlook

Web Developers

  • Growth: 17%
  • Median Salary*: 78580
  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


Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available, astronomical and planetary sciences students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



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-online@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
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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