Earth and Space Exploration (Astrobiology and Biogeosciences), BS
How do "living worlds" work? Explore the complex connections between life and planetary systems. Learn how astronomy, biology, geology and chemistry combine to shape the habitability of planets and Earth's extreme environments. Discover how to detect life on other planetary bodies or in remote environments on Earth.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or higher
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Astrobiology and biogeosciences are closely related. Astrobiology informs the exploration for life on other worlds, while biogeosciences motivates exploration of life's limits on Earth.
You acquire a strong and rigorous foundation in geology, biology, chemistry and astronomy in the astrobiology and biogeosciences concentration in the Bachelor of Science program in Earth and space exploration. You develop the systems-thinking perspective needed to:
- contribute to the search for life on other planets
- study how the integrated Earth-life system evolves and responds to global environmental challenges
- understand the complex and evolving diversity and distribution of life on Earth
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are 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 |
|---|
| SES 121 Earth, Solar System and Universe |
| SES 123 Earth, Solar System and Universe Laboratory |
| SES 122 History of the Earth and Solar System |
| BIO 340 General Genetics |
| BIO 345 Evolution |
| GLG 321 Mineralogy |
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).
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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.
- Design research projects to solve scientific problems foundational to astrobiology and biogeosciences.
- Apply knowledge in the natural sciences to interdisciplinary questions in astrobiology and biogeosciences.
- Effectively apply crucial skills for employment including communication, creative and critical thinking, inquiry and analysis, and problem solving.
- Function in an interdisciplinary environment to solve complex scientific and technological problems.
Design research projects to solve scientific problems foundational to astrobiology and biogeosciences.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
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
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.
Space exploration is an international endeavor, and an international experience provides students with opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and to improve their language and communication skills. Global Education programs allow students to take relevant classes while they live in another country. Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options enables students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career as well as 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Professor | 2.3% | $93,250 | Learn more |
| Climate Change Analyst | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Protection Specialist | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Restoration Planner | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Sciences Professor | 2.7% | $94,980 | Learn more |
| Geologist | 5.1% | $101,920 | Learn more |
| Geology Professor | 2.4% | $103,170 | Learn more |
| Health Sciences Manager | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Hydrogeologist | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Industrial Ecologist | 6.1% | $82,220 | 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 of the astrobiology and biogeosciences program are well prepared for graduate studies in two rapidly advancing fields. They are also well suited for careers in earth sciences, environmental sciences and space sciences. More broadly, the program provides training across a variety of sciences and a "systems thinking" perspective, giving graduates a strong background for careers in biomedical or sustainability areas, as well as science education, writing or policy.
Career opportunities include these positions:
- astronomer
- data analyst or scientist
- ecologist or natural resource manager
- environmental monitoring and exposure assessor
- environmental or sustainability consultant
- environmental protection or remediation scientist, consultant or manager
- geoscientist
- hydrogeologist
- science policy consultant
- science teacher
Career settings include:
- educational institutions
- environmental consulting firms
- environmental engineering firms
- federal, state and local government agencies
- museums or planetariums
- NASA and National Science Foundation facilities
- national laboratories
- nonprofit organizations
- observatories
- space industry organizations
More information is available on 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-advising@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.
