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 (Geological and Planetary Sciences), BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Earth and Space Exploration (Geological and Planetary Sciences), BS LASESGSBS : 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 an emphasis in geological and planetary sciences uncovers the processes that have shaped the 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.

 

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

With more than 300 programs available, Global Education allows 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.

 

Career opportunities

Graduates will be well prepared for a wide range of careers in growing fields such as environmental geology, hydrogeology, geographical information systems analysis, critical mineral exploration, environmental consulting and natural resource management.

Sample 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

Sample 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

The program also prepares students for graduate school in numerous disciplines within geoscience, planetary science, biogeoscience, science education or science communication.