Natural Science (Earth and Space Sciences), MNS
Advance your science expertise with a flexible, professionally oriented degree with no research thesis. Participate in projects that investigate the great unknowns of Earth and our solar system and enhance your professional portfolio.
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
Natural Science (Earth and Space Sciences), MNS degree description
The Master of Natural Science program with a concentration in Earth and space sciences is designed to meet your needs as a professional seeking a graduate-level degree. It's especially suitable if you desire professional training rather than research training.
The program must be transdisciplinary; you are expected to emphasize coursework in two or more areas of specialization. The program offers you the opportunity for graduate training in the natural sciences (i.e., biological sciences, mathematics and physical sciences) and cognate areas. The program's flexible design allows you to create individualized professional graduate programs tailored to your background and goals.
Why specialize in earth and space sciences at ASU?
As an MNS student, you join the School of Earth and Space Exploration community on the Tempe campus, tapping into the SESE colloquium, labs and field opportunities. You also gain access to the Marston Exploration Theater and public-outreach programs.
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 applied project course (SES 593)
Required Core (1 credit hour) Other Requirements (19 credit hours) Electives or Research (4 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information The supervisory committee is chosen by the student in conjunction with the advisor. The composition of the supervisory committee must reflect the transdisciplinary nature of the program. The student develops a suitable applied project with the approval of the supervisory committee. Students must submit a plan of study after conferring with the supervisory committee. While a minimum of 30 credit hours is required for the degree, more credit hours may be required by the supervisory committee, depending on the student's background and the nature of the proposed program. In some cases, undergraduate courses may be required to prepare the student for graduate courses.
SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1)
SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1)
GLG or SES courses (18)
SES 593 Applied Project (6)
Other Requirements coursework consists of SES 501 and 18 credit hours of GLG or SES graduate-level courses. Exceptions and substitutions may be allowed with approval of the academic unit.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply advanced scientific concepts to investigate processes shaping the interior and surface of the Earth and other planetary bodies.
- Apply advanced analytical, modeling, and/or field-based methods to investigate Earth and space science problems.
- Conduct independent research that demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate geological and/or planetary data.
Apply advanced scientific concepts to investigate processes shaping the interior and surface of the Earth and other planetary bodies.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 degree in any 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. 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.
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 earth and space sciences concentration prepares you for
Professionals with expertise in Earth and space sciences are in high demand across sectors and industries, including remote sensing, natural resource management, data science, environmental consulting, hazard and risk assessment, geophysics and planetary science. Skills in the measurement and analysis of data related to the physics, chemistry and structures of earthly and planetary systems are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven strategies to interact with the planet and explore beyond Earth.
Career examples include:
- geologist
- high school teacher
- science communication expert
- science writer and science journalist
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.
