Program Overview

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Earth and Space Exploration, BS

The Bachelor of Science program in Earth and space exploration offers students an integrated education across Earth sciences, planetary sciences, astrophysics, and engineering. The degree program incorporates a learning community that includes science and engineering students, a yearlong collaborative capstone senior exploration project, and strong quantitative preparation.

Program Description

This foundation in geosciences, astrophysics, and exploration engineering prepares students for key roles in Earth resources and exploration, environmental and geologic engineering, space research and industry, and water and environmental use policy.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
• First required math course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
• Math intensity: Substantial

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

• Astrophysics and Astronomy, MS
• Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation), MS
• Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks), MS
• Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering), MS
• Exploration Systems Design, MS

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

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.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Global Opportunities

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 allows students to take relevant classes while they live in another country.

Career Opportunities

The Earth and space exploration major addresses critical future shortfalls in the national and regional training of the next generation of geoscientists and aerospace engineers. Graduates with a BS in Earth and space exploration have the tools, knowledge, and understanding to address key problems of a global nature, whether they are working in the private or the public sector.

• Analytical lab technician
  • Astronomer
  • Data analyst
  • Geoscientist
  • Instrumentation specialist
  • Museum director
  • Planetary scientist
  • Research scientist
  • Science teacher
  • Science writer

Career settings include:

• Aerospace industry organizations
• Educational institutions
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Manufacturing centers
• Museums or planetariums
• NASA facilities
• National laboratories
• National Science Foundation facilities
• Observatories
• Space industry organizations

Example job titles and salaries:

• Aerospace Engineer: 6.1% growth, $134,830 median salary
• Aerospace Engineer Technician: 8.1% growth, $79,830 median salary
• Astronomer: 2.2% growth, $132,170 median salary
• Data Scientist: 33.5% growth, $112,590 median salary
• Geologist: 3.2% growth, $99,240 median salary
• Health Sciences Manager: 3.7% growth, $161,180 median salary
• High School Teacher: -1.6% growth, $64,580 median salary
• Middle School Teacher: -2.0% growth, $62,970 median salary
• Technical Writer: 0.9% growth, $91,670 median salary

What are Accelerated Programs?

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree. These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years. Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

What are Concurrent Programs?

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees, and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.

What are Joint Programs?

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What Constitutes a New Program?

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.

What are Online Programs?

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.