Earth and Space Exploration (Astrophysics), BS
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
-
Math Intensity:
Substantial
- Initial Math Course: MAT 270 - Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I
Required Courses (Major Map)
Program Description
The BS program in Earth and space exploration with a concentration in astrophysics offers students a fundamental grounding in astronomy and astrophysics, with exposure to the related fields of geology, planetary science and engineering.
Students develop a background in theoretical modeling and observational techniques of galactic and stellar astronomy, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. They are exposed to rigorous coursework in engineering and computer programming, and they learn to think critically about scientific problems. Through a capstone project, students gain valuable experience in translating science drivers into engineering solutions.
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)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Astrophysics and Astronomy
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Exploration Systems Design (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 possess the skills required for a career in astrophysics, physics and related fields, opening up diverse opportunities for employment in industry, government, education and other organizations. They also are prepared to pursue graduate school in astrophysics, or to perform laboratory research or data-intensive analyses that enable scientific progress or inform public policy.
Career opportunities include:
- analytical lab technician
- astronomer
- data analyst
- instrumentation specialist
- museum director
- planetary scientist
- research scientist
- science teacher
- science writer
- telescope operator
Career settings include:
- aerospace industry organizations
- educational institutions
- federal, state and local government agencies
- manufacturing centers
- museums or planetariums
- NASA facilities
- national laboratories
- NSF facilities
- observatories
- space industry organizations
The rigor of this degree enables future graduate study in the field of astrophysics, especially when combined with a physics minor. For more information please see the career 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:
Aerospace Engineers
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 126880
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Growth: 8.3%
- Median Salary*: 74410
Astronomers
- Growth: 4.6%
- Median Salary*: 128330
Data Scientists
- Growth: 35.2%
- Median Salary*: 103500
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 9.3%
- Median Salary*: 103550
Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Growth: 4.1%
- Median Salary*: 159920
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.6%
- Median Salary*: 97770
Natural Sciences Managers
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: 144440
Physicists
- Growth: 4.7%
- Median Salary*: 142850
Technical Writers
- Growth: 6.9%
- Median Salary*: 79960
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
Space exploration is an international endeavor, and an international experience provides students opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and improving language and communication skills. Global Education allows students to take relevant classes while living in another country. Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options provides an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career and personal enrichment. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs encourage students to build communication skills, challenge them to adapt and persevere, expose them to differences across the world and increase their ability to work with diverse groups of people.
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