Earth and Space Exploration (Geological Sciences), BS
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
-
Math Intensity:
Substantial
- Initial Math Course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
Required Courses (Major Map)
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.
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:
Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Astrophysics and Astronomy
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering)
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:
Conservation Scientists
- Growth: 4.1%
- Median Salary*: 64460
Foresters
- Growth: 2.4%
- Median Salary*: 64220
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Growth: 5.1%
- Median Salary*: 87480
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.6%
- Median Salary*: 97770
Water Resource Specialists
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: 144440
Hydrologists
- Growth: 1.5%
- Median Salary*: 85990
Park Naturalists
- Growth: 4.1%
- Median Salary*: 64460
* 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 300 programs available, Global Education allows students in the geological sciences concentration to gain hands-on experience in a variety of programs all over the world.
Graduates who possess the heightened cultural competency and leadership and critical thinking skills they acquired through study abroad may stand out in a competitive field.
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-advising@asu.edu
- 480/965-5081