Planetary Science ,Certificate
Astrobiology, Atmospheric Physics, Exoplanets, Geological sciences, Planets, Remote Sensing, Solar System, Space Mission, Volcanology, mars
Explore strange new worlds in our solar system and beyond. Learn how to assess their geologic evolution, surface environments and atmospheres and how to search for possible biosignatures. Acquire new skills to enhance your preparation for exciting careers, with opportunities in the burgeoning space exploration industry in Arizona and across the nation.
In the certificate program in planetary science, you examine the formation and evolution of planetary bodies and the remote sensing technologies used to study them. You receive specific training in the origins of planetary systems, tectonics, volcanism, geomorphology, and remote mapping of surficial geology, using data from spacecraft and land-based observations. You also develop an understanding of planetary atmospheres, astrobiology, geodynamics and cosmochemistry.
This interdisciplinary program prepares you for technical career paths and to pursue exciting opportunities at the frontier of planetary exploration.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
This video provides an overview of the Planetary Science degree program at ASU.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
Additional requirements:
Certificate courses may have prerequisites, and the most common are listed below. Additional enrollment requirements may include completion of these courses or their equivalents with a "C" or higher:
- GLG 101: Introduction to Geology I (Physical) and GLG 103: Laboratory; or SES 121: Earth, Solar System and Universe, and SES 123: Laboratory
- a math course at the level of MAT 266: Calculus for Engineers II or higher
- a chemistry course at the level of CHM 113: General Chemistry I or higher
- a physics course at the level of PHY 121: University Physics I: Mechanics and PHY 122: Laboratory or higher
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
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.
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 they help students save time and money in their college journey.
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:
- Synthesize core concepts of Earth and planetary sciences to analyze and communicate the formation and evolution of planetary bodies in our Solar System and beyond.
- Design a research hypothesis by applying domain knowledge and prepare a report on their independent research testing their hypothesis.
The employment prospects for graduates who complete the planetary science certificate are enhanced by the potential for opportunities at the intersection of these fields. Opportunities include these positions:
- community college or university educator teaching earth science or astronomy classes
- docent at a science museum or planetarium
- faculty member or researcher at a university, working on federally funded planetary science research, instruments or missions
- K-12 educator in a program with an earth science or astronomy curriculum
- researcher at an aerospace company contracted to build subsystems, instruments or missions for federally funded planetary science research
In Arizona, such opportunities are offered at institutions that include the public universities, Mesa Community College, the United States Geological Survey, Lowell Observatory and the Planetary Science Institute. Arizona companies that employ people in these fields include World View, Paragon, FreeFall Aerospace, General Dynamics, Qwaltec and KinetX. National companies include Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Ball, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, Intuitive Machines, Firefly Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Axiom, Planet Labs, Blue Canyon Technologies, Astrobotic and ispace.
Graduates may also find employment in federal labs or as congressional staff.
School of Earth and Space Exploration
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ISTB4 795
sese-advising@asu.edu
480-965-5081
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
