Earth and Space Exploration (Geological and Planetary Sciences) ,BS
Earth Science, Earth and Space Sciences, Earthquakes, Field Work, Geological Disasters, Hazards, Landforms, Mining, Mountains, Rocks, Volcano, Water, approved for STEM-OPT extension, earth, geology, minerals
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.
The Bachelor of Science program in Earth and space exploration with an emphasis in geological and planetary sciences uncovers the processes that have shaped 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 reviewing 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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I or higher
- Math
intensity: Substantial
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year
| Transfer
| International
| Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
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 has the following program outcomes:
- Solve problems in the Earth and planetary sciences using their understanding of the formation, structure and composition of the Earth and planets.
- Synthesize scientific data in the context of geologic material properties, processes, and time.
- Effectively apply crucial skills for employment including communication, creative and critical thinking, inquiry and analysis, and problem solving.
- Interpret geologic history from field and/or remote sensing data.
With more than 300 programs available, Global Education enables 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.
Graduates are well prepared for a wide variety of careers in growing fields such as environmental geology, hydrogeology, geographical information systems analysis, critical mineral exploration, environmental consulting and natural resource management.
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
Possible 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
Graduates are also prepared for graduate school in numerous disciplines within geoscience, planetary science, biogeoscience, science education or science communication.
For more information, students can visit the career opportunities page on the School of Earth and Space Exploration website.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
4.1%
|
$64,460
|
|
|
2.4%
|
$64,220
|
|
|
5.1%
|
$87,480
|
|
|
3.6%
|
$97,770
|
|
|
4.8%
|
$144,440
|
|
|
1.5%
|
$85,990
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$64,460
|
School of Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
sese-advising@asu.edu
480-965-5081
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
