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

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

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I

Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map on-campus archive

eAdvisor Tracking Tool


Explore Earth's past, present and future. Study natural hazards, the distribution of critical minerals and the record of Earth system evolution. Apply this knowledge to help find sustainable solutions for the energy and resource needs of human civilization and to mitigate the effects of natural hazards and climate change.

This program's name has changed effective Fall 2024. The previous name was Earth and Space Exploration (Geological Sciences).


Program Description

The BS program in Earth and space exploration with an emphasis in geological and planetary sciences uncovers the processes that have shaped the 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.

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.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.




Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

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

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

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

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation)

Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation)

Prepare for your professional or academic career with a program that combines the strengths of science and engineering. You can work with faculty in the natural sciences and engineering to design instrumentation for exploration, including digital systems and circuits, computer-controlled systems, analog-to-digital converters and solid-state electronics.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Exploration Systems Design

Exploration Systems Design

Become a part of the next generation of researchers --- those who are capable of inventing and implementing the next generation of scientific experiments, instruments and missions for Earth, and planetary and space explorations.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks)

Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks)

Combine your interests in exploration systems design and sensor networks with the strengths of science and engineering to prepare for a professional or academic career. Study computer networks, Earth systems engineering, multidimensional signal processing, and information and random signal theory with faculty who specialize in the natural sciences and instrumentation design.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Astrophysics and Astronomy

Astrophysics and Astronomy

Prepare yourself to discover new planets, explore cosmology, and build space-flight hardware and instruments for telescopes and satellites. You can work with world-class faculty on NASA- and NSF-funded space missions, and seek answers to questions about how our universe began and how it continues to evolve.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering)

Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering)

Prepare for a professional or academic career through a program that combines the creative strengths of science and engineering. You can study artificial intelligence, human factors engineering, smart materials and structures, and robot modeling with faculty specializing in the natural sciences, instrumentation design and systems engineering.

Website | Locations: TEMPE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

Graduates will be well prepared for a wide range of careers in growing fields such as environmental geology, hydrogeology, geographical information systems analysis, critical mineral exploration, environmental consulting and natural resource management.

Sample 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

Sample 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

The program also prepares students for graduate school in numerous disciplines within geoscience, planetary science, biogeoscience, science education or science communication.

For more information, students should see thecareer opportunities page on the School of Earth and Space Exploration website.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Conservation Scientists

  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 64460

Foresters

  • Growth: 2.4%
  • Median Salary*: 64220

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

  • Growth: 5.1%
  • Median Salary*: 87480
  Bright Outlook

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

  • Growth: 3.6%
  • Median Salary*: 97770

Water Resource Specialists

  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: 144440
  Bright Outlook

Hydrologists

  • Growth: 1.5%
  • Median Salary*: 85990

Park Naturalists

  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 64460

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook | Green Occupation Green Occupation


Global Opportunities

Global Experience

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

Graduates with heightened cultural competency, leadership and critical thinking skills acquired through study abroad may stand out in a competitive field.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • sese-advising@asu.edu
  • 480/965-5081


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.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine 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.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

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

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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