Astronomical and Planetary Sciences, BS
Explore humanity's place in the universe, from a near-Earth orbit to the edge of the observable universe. In the process of your scientific inquiry, you'll develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.
Quick facts
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The online Bachelor of Science program in astronomical and planetary sciences provides you with broad training in the scientific foundations required to understand and communicate the fundamentals of space exploration and ongoing advances in the field.
The degree program includes groundwork in mathematics and physical sciences, topical courses focused on diverse fields within astronomy and planetary science, and exposure to the engineering and computational tools and techniques used to carry out research.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you're interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| AST 111 Introduction to Solar Systems Astronomy |
| AST 112 Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology |
| AST 321 Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics |
| AST 322 Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics |
| SES 106 Habitable Worlds |
| SES 350 Engineering Systems and Experimental Problem Solving |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Effectively communicate astronomical and planetary science concepts.
- Apply astronomical concepts and principles of physical science to explicate core disciplinary concepts in astronomy and planetary sciences.
- Solve quantitative problems and test hypotheses with astronomical data utilizing modern computing methods.
Effectively communicate astronomical and planetary science concepts.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, astronomical and planetary sciences students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer Technician | 11.9% | $82,890 | Learn more |
| Astronomer | 7.8% | $128,820 | Learn more |
| Computer Programmer | -7.3% | $100,390 | Learn more |
| Data Analyst | -1.8% | $50,330 | Learn more |
| Elementary Teacher | -0.4% | $63,970 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Middle School Teacher | -0.4% | $64,370 | Learn more |
| Production Assistant | 3.9% | $73,620 | Learn more |
| Technical Writer | 0.8% | $90,390 | Learn more |
| Web Developer | 3.8% | $92,650 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed 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.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Graduates pursue careers in fields that value the quantitative and technical skills taught as part of an astronomy education. These include K-12 STEM teaching positions, science and technology journalism and writing careers, technical careers involving statistical data analysis or computer programming, and technical positions supporting space and research industry and 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 and planetariums
- NASA facilities
- national laboratories
- National Science Foundation facilities
- observatories
- space industry organizations
For more information, students can visit thecareer opportunities page on the School of Earth and Space Exploration website.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
SESE-online@asu.edu
480-965-5081
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
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.
