Earth and Space Exploration (Exploration Systems Design), BS

Step across the boundaries between science and engineering, and prepare for a bold new era of exploration. Ready yourself to help shape how humanity explores and studies both Earth and the far reaches of space.

Program Description

Degree description

The Bachelor of Science program in Earth and space exploration with a concentration in exploration systems design offers you a fundamental curriculum in geology, physics and astrophysics while providing tools that enable you to design and build hardware and software to explore Earth and the universe beyond.

The program has a rigorous and quantitative grounding in the fundamentals of physics, mathematics and chemistry. Coursework focuses on conceiving the requirements needed for a mission or project destined for space or extreme environments on Earth. You are expected to complete a senior project that takes a desired scientific measurement and realizes the technological solution to achieve the observation.

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

Effectively apply crucial skills for employment including communication, creative and critical thinking, inquiry and analysis, and problem solving.
Function effectively in a team-based, interdisciplinary environment to solve complex problems in earth and space science, using an engineering approach and a set of options, including cost, risk, and schedule.
Design technological approaches to solving research problems in the earth and space sciences.

At a Glance: program details

Location:
Tempe campus
Additional Program Fee: Yes
Second Language Requirement: No
Math Intensity: Substantial
Initial Math Course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I

Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

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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)

Build real hardware in a program that's hands-on, project-based and combines the strengths of science and engineering. Join the School of Earth and Space Exploration, where scientists and engineers collaborate on NASA- and NSF-funded missions.

Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

Exploration Systems Design

Fuse science and engineering as you shape a research question, translate it into technical requirements, then design, build and test the system that answers it. Learn hands-on through a real graduate exploration project in the School of Earth and Space Exploration.

Exploration Systems Design Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks)

Combine your interests with the strengths of science and engineering to prepare for a professional or academic career. Design and validate the command-and-control, interface and data-handling software that runs sensor networks.

Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

Astrophysics and Astronomy

Study the stars within one of the nation's most mission-active space programs, where you can help make discoveries, not just read about them. Graduate with skills in Python, modeling and data analysis that open doors in data science and tech.

Astrophysics and Astronomy Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering)

Lead the systems engineering of real scientific missions in this hands-on, project-based program. You learn to turn science goals into technical requirements and plan the schedule, budget, integration and testing that make a complex experiment succeed.

Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

Electrical Engineering

If you love to solve complex problems and are driven by technical detail, you'll thrive in this program. Build on your electrical engineering expertise as you develop advanced skills to design and improve systems that support today's technologies and meet the evolving needs of a growing industry.

Electrical Engineering Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

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 exploration systems design concentration prepares you for

Graduates have the skills required for a career in systems engineering, space systems engineering, scientific instrument engineering and engineering-focused careers in astronomy, geoscience and planetary science, opening up diverse opportunities for employment in industry, government, education and other organizations. They are also prepared to pursue graduate school in astrophysics, physics and engineering, or to perform laboratory research or data-intensive analyses that facilitate scientific progress or inform public policy.

Career opportunities include:

astronomer
computer software quality engineer
computer systems architect
engineering or technical services manager
planetary scientist
research scientist or instrumentation specialist
science policy consultant
science teacher (K-12)
space systems engineer
systems engineer

Career settings include:

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

For more information, students can see 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 Engineers

Growth: 8.3%
Median Salary*: $134,960.00

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Growth: 11.9%
Median Salary*: $82,890.00

Astronomers

Growth: 7.8%
Median Salary*: $128,820.00

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Growth: 5.1%
Median Salary*: $116,580.00

Electrical Engineers

Growth: 9.9%
Median Salary*: $120,630.00

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Growth: 5.5%
Median Salary*: $171,270.00

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Growth: 5.1%
Median Salary*: $101,920.00

Mechanical Engineers

Growth: 11.2%
Median Salary*: $104,110.00

Project Management Specialists

Growth: 6.7%
Median Salary*: $102,320.00

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright Outlook |

Green Occupation

Global Experience

Space exploration is an international endeavor, and an international experience provides students with opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and improvement of language and communication skills. Global Education enables 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 and 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 improve 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