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Exploration Systems Design, MS

On this page:
Degree Requirements Admission Requirements Next Steps Career Opportunities Request Information
  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Exploration Systems Design

Fuse science and engineering as you shape a research question, translate it into technical requirements, then design, build and test the system that answers it. Learn hands-on through a real graduate exploration project in the School of Earth and Space Exploration.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Exploration Systems Design

Exploration Systems Design master's description

The Master of Science program in exploration systems design promotes your development and growth as a engineering-literate scientist or science-literate engineer. Its distinct curriculum combines science applications with engineering knowledge and skills through engineering and science courses focused on Earth science, space science and astrophysics.

Three concentrations are also offered if you want more specific training in instrumentation, systems engineering and sensor networks.


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)

Electives or Research (22 credit hours)

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

Additional Curriculum Information
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 must 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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. written statement
  4. three letters of recommendation
  5. 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


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Career Opportunities

Careers this exploration systems design master's degree 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 with direct experience and training in the space sector. This degree program is particularly well positioned to provide such 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


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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