Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation), MS

Build real hardware in a program that's hands-on, project-based and combines the strengths of science and engineering. Join the School of Earth and Space Exploration, where scientists and engineers collaborate on NASA- and NSF-funded missions.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation)

Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation) master's description

The Master of Science program in exploration systems design with a concentration in instrumentation promotes your development and growth as an engineering-literate scientist or science-literate engineer who is interested in the design, construction and implementation of scientific instrumentation. The distinct curriculum combines science applications with engineering knowledge and skills through engineering and science courses focused on Earth science, space science and astrophysics. The concentration trains you to design the next generation of in situ or remote sensing instrumentation for exploration of the Earth, space and the universe.

At a Glance: program details

Location:
Tempe campus
Second Language Requirement: No

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SES 511)

Required Core (5 credit hours)
SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)
SES 510 Graduate Exploration Project I (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours)
AST 552 Astronomical Instrumentation and Data Analysis (3)
EEE 543 Antenna Analysis and Design (3)
EEE 545 Microwave Circuit Design (3)
EEE 548 Coherent Optics (3)
EGR 608 Advanced Simulation (3)
MAE 503 Finite Elements in Engineering (3)
MAE 557 Mechanics of Composite Materials (3)

Electives or Research (13 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
SES 511 Graduate Exploration Project II (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students select three courses from the available concentration coursework.

For elective coursework, students select from the AST, GLG, SES or engineering courses in consultation with their faculty advisor. Six credit hours must be science coursework approved by the faculty advisor. Other courses can be used with academic unit approval.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, physical science or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

graduate admission application and application fee
official transcripts
written statement
three letters of recommendation
proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

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:

BSE - Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics)

Have you often looked up at the night sky and pondered what's possible? Now is the time to turn your fascination into real-world spacecraft design. You'll learn to develop technologies that launch humans into orbit, explore distant planets and expand the boundaries of what's possible in space exploration.

Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BSE - Mechanical Engineering

Turn your passion for problem-solving into innovations that help shape technology. You'll learn the principles behind spacecraft, sustainable energy systems and other advanced technologies --- and have the opportunity to develop ideas that could power the machines and devices of the future.

Mechanical Engineering Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BS - Earth and Space Exploration (Astrophysics)

Stand at the edge of exploration, making new discoveries about our planet, solar system and universe. You can explore cosmology, build spaceflight hardware, and engineer new instruments for telescopes and satellites.

Earth and Space Exploration (Astrophysics) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Earth and Space Exploration (Exploration Systems Design)

Step across the boundaries between science and engineering, and prepare for a bold new era of exploration. Ready yourself to help shape how humanity explores and studies both Earth and the far reaches of space.

Earth and Space Exploration (Exploration Systems Design) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BSE - Aerospace Engineering (Aeronautics)

Gain expertise in the art and science of flight through hands-on experience in aerodynamics, propulsion and aircraft design. You'll solve complex engineering problems as you prepare for the challenging and rewarding field of modern aviation.

Aerospace Engineering (Aeronautics) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BSE - Electrical Engineering (Electrical Power and Energy Systems)

Address the world's most pressing challenges as the global shift toward smart grids and sustainable power systems drives demand for energy-focused electrical engineers. Learn to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems.

Electrical Engineering (Electrical Power and Energy Systems) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BSE - Aerospace Engineering (Autonomous Vehicle Systems)

Be part of the future of aerospace innovation with the expertise you'll build in this program. Learn the advanced engineering principles behind self-navigating aircraft, intelligent spacecraft and next-generation transportation systems operating across air and space.

Aerospace Engineering (Autonomous Vehicle Systems) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Earth and Space Exploration

You could be involved in building spaceflight hardware; making astronomical observations; discovering new microbes; exploring volcanoes, oceans and glaciers; investigating Earth-climate interactions; and setting the stage for a new era of exploration. Learn about our planet, solar system and universe by combining your studies in science, engineering and education.

Earth and Space Exploration Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BSE - Electrical Engineering

Channel your fascination with how electricity powers the world into meaningful innovation. You identify and solve complex problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.

Electrical Engineering Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

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

Search for sustainable solutions to society's growing energy and resource needs while helping mitigate natural hazards and climate change through this vibrant program. Turn rigorous earth science into hands-on impact for a changing planet by exploring Earth's past, present and future.

Earth and Space Exploration (Geological and Planetary Sciences) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Earth and Space Exploration (Astrobiology and Biogeosciences)

How do "living worlds" work? Explore what makes a planet come alive and how astronomy, biology, geology and chemistry combine to shape the habitability of planets and Earth's extreme environments.

Earth and Space Exploration (Astrobiology and Biogeosciences) Program 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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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session

Modality

Deadline

Type

Session A/C

In Person

December 1st

Priority

Spring

Session

Modality

Deadline

Type

Session A/C

In Person

October 1st

Priority

Career Opportunities

Careers this instrumentation concentration prepares you for

The U.S. and Arizona have a considerable presence of aerospace and other technology companies that have a high demand for skilled labor. In particular, local aerospace companies need graduates who have direct experience and training in the space sector. The concentration in instrumentation is especially well positioned to provide this training.

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.

[email protected]
480/965-5081