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Studies & Degrees in Earth & Space Exploration

Earth and space exploration is an interdisciplinary science field that studies our planet, the solar system and the universe together. Instead of separating geology, astronomy and engineering, it combines them: the same methods that explain how Earth's rocks, oceans and climate evolved are used to study other planets, and the instruments that observe them have to be designed and built.

The name comes mainly from Arizona State University (ASU) in the United States, whose School of Earth and Space Exploration describes its bachelor's degree as a way to learn about our planet, solar system and universe by combining studies in science, engineering and education. Students take mathematics, physics, chemistry and geology, learn to code and to analyse data, and do field and laboratory work. Sample courses at ASU include Earth, Solar System and Universe, History of the Earth and Solar System, Coding for Exploration and Dynamic Earth.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degree. ASU's Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Exploration is offered with concentrations in astrobiology and biogeosciences, astrophysics, exploration systems design, and geological and planetary sciences. The geological and planetary sciences concentration has 120 credit hours, is taught on the Tempe campus and starts its mathematics with calculus for engineers; ASU rates its maths intensity as substantial. In Spain there is no degree with this name; the closest official bachelor's degrees (grados), in geology, physics or aerospace engineering, have 240 ECTS credits.
  • Master's degree. At master's level the field usually narrows to a specialisation. The Technical University of Munich (TUM) teaches the Master of Science ESPACE – Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology, a full-time programme of 4 semesters and 120 ECTS credits taught in English in Munich. It trains students in the use and development of satellites in three main areas: earth system science, remote sensing and navigation, and offers the option of a double degree with Wuhan University in China. The programme starts in the winter semester (October) and the application period runs from 1 January to 31 May. ASU's school offers master's degrees such as Astrophysics and Astronomy and Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation).
  • Doctorate. Research careers require a PhD. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physicists and astronomers typically need a PhD for jobs in research and academia. ASU's school has PhD programmes in Astrophysics and in Exploration Systems Design, among others.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists four active schools for this subject: three in the United States and one in Germany. They are the Arizona State University entry in Tempe, SUNY, The State University of New York, the Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL) in Hope, Maine, and ESPACE at the Technische Universität München.

The listed schools are very different from each other. The ASU entry in the directory is the university's English language programme, a possible first step for students who later apply to a degree at the university; the degrees described above belong to ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration. ESPACE is a specialised master's programme in satellite applications. CELL is a nonprofit organisation that runs study abroad programmes on sustainability, for example in Iceland, rather than science degrees. SUNY is a large public university system; check its site for the campuses that teach geology, astronomy or atmospheric science.

All four teach in English. For the TUM master's programme, admission is decided through an aptitude assessment and English proficiency is required.

Careers

Graduates work in geoscience, environmental consulting, natural resources, the space industry, research and education. ASU lists careers such as geologist, geophysicist, hydrogeologist, water resources scientist, natural hazards specialist and science teacher for its geological and planetary sciences graduates, in settings from consulting firms and government agencies to mining companies and museums. Graduates of satellite-oriented master's programmes work with earth observation data, remote sensing and navigation systems.

These are small professions. According to the BLS, geoscientists held about 25,400 jobs in the United States in 2025, with employment projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035; geoscientists typically need a bachelor's degree, and most need a state-issued licence. Physicists and astronomers held about 25,600 jobs, with projected growth of 7 percent. Aerospace engineers, who design, develop and test aircraft, spacecraft and satellites, held about 68,700 jobs, with projected growth of 8 percent. These figures describe the US labour market only.

Frequently asked questions

Is earth and space exploration the same as astronomy?

No. Astronomy is one part of it. The field also covers geology, planetary science, astrobiology and the engineering of instruments and spacecraft.

How much mathematics does the degree involve?

A lot. ASU describes the maths intensity of its geological and planetary sciences concentration as substantial, and the first required course is calculus for engineers.

Can international students study this subject in English in Europe?

Yes, at master's level. The ESPACE programme at the Technical University of Munich is taught in English, lasts 4 semesters and has 120 ECTS credits.

Do I need a PhD to work in this field?

Not for every job. Geoscientists and aerospace engineers typically enter with a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS, while research and university posts in physics and astronomy typically need a PhD.