Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation), PhD

Program Overview

The ASU Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation) PhD program combines science and engineering to train students in designing instrumentation for exploration. The transdisciplinary curriculum integrates natural science and engineering, preparing students for careers in research, academia, and industry.

Program Outline

• *Degree Overview:**
• *Objectives:**
• Train students for a professional or academic career by combining science and engineering.
• Integrates natural science and engineering with coursework from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
• Prepares students for developing sensors and systems relating to planetary science, Earth science, and astronomy.
• Allows transfer of 30 credit hours from a relevant Master's degree.
• Includes two science courses from SESE graduate catalog.

Outline:

Program Components:

• 84 credit hours
• Required Core (1 credit hour) - SES 502 Exploring SESE Research
• Concentration (9 credit hours)
• Other Requirements (1 credit hour) - SES 501 SESE Colloquium
• Electives or Research (61 credit hours)
• Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) - SES 799 Dissertation
• 30 credit hours transfer from related Master's degree possible (engineering, computer science, geological sciences, physics).
• Two science courses selection from the SESE graduate catalog (GLG, SES, or AST prefixes) with substitution possible with academic unit approval.
• Substitutions for Other Requirements possible with department approval.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Written comprehensive exam
• Oral comprehensive exam
• Prospectus
• Dissertation

Criteria:

• Successful completion of all program components
• Demonstration of advanced knowledge and skills in exploration systems design and instrumentation

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Research
• Project-based learning

Faculty:

• Experts in exploration systems design, instrumentation, and related fields

Unique Approaches:

• Transdisciplinary curriculum combining natural science and engineering.
• Focus on advanced systems design for space and Earth exploration.
• Hands-on experience through research projects.

Careers:

• *Potential Career Paths:**
• Research scientist
• Data scientist
• Engineering professor
• Instrument builder
• Machining specialist
• Project manager
• Technical consultant
• *Opportunities and Outcomes:**
• Employment opportunities across diverse sectors and industries.
• Leading roles in Earth and planetary exploration research.
• High demand for expertise in coding, numerical modeling, and data analysis.
• This program is approved for the STEM-OPT extension for up to 36 months.
• This extension applies only to F-1 visa students and not online program graduates.
• The location is in Tempe, Arizona.