Program Overview

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Earth and Space Exploration (Astrobiology and Biogeosciences), BS

The Earth and Space Exploration (Astrobiology and Biogeosciences) program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the natural sciences, including geology, biology, chemistry, and astronomy. This interdisciplinary program focuses on the complex connections between life and planetary systems, exploring how living worlds work and the habitability of planets and Earth's extreme environments.

Program Description

Astrobiology and biogeosciences are closely related fields that inform the exploration for life on other worlds and the exploration of life's limits on Earth. Students in this program acquire a rigorous foundation in geology, biology, chemistry, and astronomy, developing a systems-thinking perspective to contribute to the search for life on other planets, study the integrated Earth-life system, and understand the diversity and distribution of life on Earth.

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 or higher
• Math intensity: Substantial

Curriculum

The curriculum for this program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in astrobiology and biogeosciences. Students can view the 2025-2026 curriculum and archives for more information.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees 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.

Admission Requirements

• General university 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. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program's learning outcomes include:

• Design research projects to solve scientific problems foundational to astrobiology and biogeosciences.
• Apply knowledge in the natural sciences to interdisciplinary questions in astrobiology and biogeosciences.
• Effectively apply crucial skills for employment including communication, creative and critical thinking, inquiry and analysis, and problem solving.
• Function in an interdisciplinary environment to solve complex scientific and technological problems.

Global Opportunities

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.

Career Opportunities

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. Career opportunities include:

• 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

What are Accelerated Programs?

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

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.

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.