Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation), MS
Build real hardware in a program that's hands-on, project-based and combines the strengths of science and engineering. Join the School of Earth and Space Exploration, where scientists and engineers collaborate on NASA- and NSF-funded missions.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
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
Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation) master's description
The Master of Science program in exploration systems design with a concentration in instrumentation promotes your development and growth as an engineering-literate scientist or science-literate engineer who is interested in the design, construction and implementation of scientific instrumentation. The distinct curriculum combines science applications with engineering knowledge and skills through engineering and science courses focused on Earth science, space science and astrophysics. The concentration trains you to design the next generation of in situ or remote sensing instrumentation for exploration of the Earth, space and the universe.
Why specialize in instrumentation at ASU?
This program is built specifically to fuse science and engineering into one comprehensive degree. You go beyond analyzing data or building hardware --- you learn to carry a scientific goal all the way to a working, tested system. The experience is hands-on and mission-realistic. The graduate exploration project runs through requirements reviews, interface control documents, and test campaigns the way an actual flight project does.
Additional details
As part of the School of Earth and Space Exploration community, you work largely in ISTB4 on the Tempe campus, home to instrumentation labs, the Marston Exploration Theater and collaborative project space. Expect to take part in the SESE colloquium, complete hands-on build-and-test projects, and gain direct connections with industry partners.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SES 511)
Required Core (5 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Electives or Research (13 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information For elective coursework, students select from the AST, GLG, SES or engineering courses in consultation with their faculty advisor. Six credit hours must be science coursework approved by the faculty advisor. Other courses can be used with academic unit approval.
SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)
SES 510 Graduate Exploration Project I (3)
AST 552 Astronomical Instrumentation and Data Analysis (3)
EEE 543 Antenna Analysis and Design (3)
EEE 545 Microwave Circuit Design (3)
EEE 548 Coherent Optics (3)
EGR 608 Advanced Simulation (3)
MAE 503 Finite Elements in Engineering (3)
MAE 557 Mechanics of Composite Materials (3)
SES 511 Graduate Exploration Project II (3)
Students select three courses from the available concentration coursework.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, physical science or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 10/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
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.
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 estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this instrumentation concentration prepares you for
The U.S. and Arizona have a considerable presence of aerospace and other technology companies that have a high demand for skilled labor. In particular, local aerospace companies need graduates who have direct experience and training in the space sector. The concentration in instrumentation is especially well positioned to provide this training.
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-prospectivegrads@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.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
