Earth and Space Exploration (Astrobiology and Biogeosciences), BS
Program Description
Degree description
Astrobiology and biogeosciences are closely related. Astrobiology informs the exploration for life on other worlds, while biogeosciences motivates exploration of life's limits on Earth.
You acquire a strong and rigorous foundation in geology, biology, chemistry and astronomy in the astrobiology and biogeosciences concentration in the Bachelor of Science program in Earth and space exploration. You develop the systems-thinking perspective needed to:
- contribute to the search for life on other planets
- study how the integrated Earth-life system evolves and responds to global environmental challenges
- understand the complex and evolving diversity and distribution of life on Earth
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge in the natural sciences to interdisciplinary questions in astrobiology and biogeosciences.
- Function in an interdisciplinary environment to solve complex scientific and technological problems.
- Effectively apply crucial skills for employment including communication, creative and critical thinking, inquiry and analysis, and problem solving.
- Design research projects to solve scientific problems foundational to astrobiology and biogeosciences.
- Location:
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: No
- Math Intensity: Substantial
- Initial Math Course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
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)
Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design
Exploration Systems Design Program Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks)
Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE
Astrophysics and Astronomy
Astrophysics and Astronomy Program Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering)
Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering) Program 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
Careers this astrobiology and biogeosciences concentration prepares you for
Graduates of the astrobiology and biogeosciences program are well prepared for graduate studies in two rapidly advancing fields. They are also well suited for careers in earth sciences, environmental sciences and space sciences. More broadly, the program provides training across a variety of sciences and a "systems thinking" perspective, giving graduates a strong background for careers in biomedical or sustainability areas, as well as science education, writing or policy.
Career opportunities include these positions:
- astronomer
- data analyst or scientist
- ecologist or natural resource manager
- environmental monitoring and exposure assessor
- environmental or sustainability consultant
- environmental protection or remediation scientist, consultant or manager
- geoscientist
- hydrogeologist
- science policy consultant
- science teacher
Career settings include:
- educational institutions
- environmental consulting firms
- environmental engineering firms
- federal, state and local government agencies
- museums or planetariums
- NASA and National Science Foundation facilities
- national laboratories
- nonprofit organizations
- observatories
- space industry organizations
More information is available on 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:
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 2.3%
- Median Salary*: $93,250.00
Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $82,220.00
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $82,220.00
Environmental Restoration Planners
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $82,220.00
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 2.7%
- Median Salary*: $94,980.00
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Growth: 5.1%
- Median Salary*: $101,920.00
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 2.4%
- Median Salary*: $103,170.00
Natural Sciences Managers
- Growth: 8.2%
- Median Salary*: $167,220.00
Water Resource Specialists
- Growth: 8.2%
- Median Salary*: $167,220.00
Industrial Ecologists
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $82,220.00
* 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 Experience
Space exploration is an international endeavor, and an international experience provides students with opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and to improve their language and communication skills. Global Education programs allow students to take relevant classes while they live in another country. Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options enables students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career as well as personal enrichment. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs encourage students to build communication skills, challenge them to adapt and persevere, expose them to differences across the world, and increase their ability to work with diverse groups of people.
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.
- [email protected]
- 480/965-5081