Program Overview

Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks), PhD

Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy program in exploration systems design with a concentration in sensor networks offers an advanced systems approach for developing scientific exploration technologies in a variety of demanding environments on Earth and in space. This transdisciplinary degree program provides a distinct platform to train systems engineers who are targeting technological development for exploration science. The curriculum integrates the School of Earth and Space Exploration's science, instrumentation, and systems engineering core courses with related coursework from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation
• Required Core (1 credit hour): SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)
• Electives or Research (61 credit hours)
• Other Requirements (1 credit hour): SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)
• Concentration (9 credit hours)
• Culminating Experience (12 credit hours): SES 799 Dissertation (12)
• Additional Curriculum Information: When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree in a related field to be used for this degree. Related fields include engineering, computer science, geological sciences, or physics.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Priority deadline is December 1
• Spring: Priority deadline is October 1

Career Opportunities

Professionals with expertise in exploration systems design are in high demand across sectors and industries, including remote sensing, systems engineering, data science, environmental consulting, Earth and planetary science, and engineering. Career examples include:

• Data scientist
• Engineering professor
• Instrument builder
• Project manager
• Research engineer
• Sensor technologist

Research Areas

The program focuses on the development of networked software and hardware systems related to Earth and space exploration, including robotics, data science, and high-performance computing. Students can specialize in topics related to planetary exploration, astronomical instrumentation, robotics, sensors, and sensor networks.