Program Overview

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Earth and Space Exploration (Exploration Systems Design), BS

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

Program Description

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. All students are expected to complete a senior project that takes a desired scientific measurement and realizes the technological solution to achieve the observation.

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
• Electrical Engineering, MSE
• 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.

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 the following:

• Design technological approaches to solving research problems in the earth and space sciences.
• 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.
• Effectively apply crucial skills for employment including communication, creative and critical thinking, inquiry and analysis, and problem-solving.

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

Career Opportunities

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.

• 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

STEM-OPT for International Students on F-1 Visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.