Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Earth and Space Exploration (Astrophysics), BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Earth and Space Exploration (Astrophysics), BS LASESABS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

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.

Additional information

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.

 

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

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 plus master's degree with:

  • Astrophysics and Astronomy, MS
  • Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation), MS
  • Exploration Systems Design (Sensor Networks), MS
  • Exploration Systems Design (Systems Engineering), MS
  • Exploration Systems Design, MS

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.

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.

Career opportunities

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