Program Overview

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Earth and Space Exploration (Geological and Planetary Sciences), BS

The Bachelor of Science program in Earth and space exploration with an emphasis in geological and planetary sciences uncovers the processes that have shaped Earth and other planets since the origin of the solar system. Students explore the coevolution of Earth's life, oceans, atmosphere, and climate system and how their evolution is recorded in rocks, soil, ice, and isotopes.

Program Description

Students learn traditional and modern field methods, data analysis, and more to effectively study the natural environment. This knowledge empowers graduates to work for the benefit of local, national, and global communities. They also have the opportunity to study the potential for extraterrestrial life and the possibilities for the colonization of space.

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 the Earth and Space Exploration (Geological and Planetary Sciences), BS program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth and planetary sciences. Students can view the 2025-2026 curriculum and curriculum 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. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

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:

• Solve problems in the Earth and planetary sciences using their understanding of the formation, structure, and composition of the Earth and planets.
• Synthesize scientific data in the context of geologic material properties, processes, and time.
• Effectively apply crucial skills for employment including communication, creative and critical thinking, inquiry and analysis, and problem-solving.
• Interpret geologic history from field and/or remote sensing data.

Global Opportunities

With more than 300 programs available, Global Education enables students in the geological and planetary sciences concentration to gain hands-on experience in a variety of programs all over the world.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well-prepared for a wide variety of careers in growing fields such as environmental geology, hydrogeology, geographical information systems analysis, critical mineral exploration, environmental consulting, and natural resource management. Career opportunities include:

• Environmental monitoring and exposure assessor
• Environmental or sustainability consultant
• Geologist
• Geophysicist
• Hydrogeologist
• Mineral exploration geologist or project manager
• Natural hazards assessment, mitigation, and recovery specialist
• Natural resource manager
• Science teacher (K-12)
• Water resources scientist

Possible career settings include:

• Educational institutions
• Environmental consulting firms
• Environmental engineering firms
• Environmental industry organizations
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Geotechnical industry organizations
• Museums
• Nonprofit organizations
• Petroleum industry companies
• Small exploration companies and large mining companies

Graduates are also prepared for graduate school in numerous disciplines within geoscience, planetary science, biogeoscience, science education, or science communication.