Online Bachelor of Science in Astronomical and Planetary Sciences
Study the stars in Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in astronomical and planetary sciences program. In this online astronomy degree, you’ll explore planets, solar systems and galaxies to understand where we came from and where we’re going using the universe as your laboratory.
Quick facts
Next start date: 10/11/2023
Total classes: 36
Weeks per class: 7.5-15
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
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Earn your online astronomy degree
This astronomy and planetary science degree provides you with broad training in the scientific foundations and fundamentals of space exploration, including ongoing advances in the field. This program is ideal for students interested in obtaining a quantitative understanding of the science of the solar system and beyond.
As an astronomy student, you’ll gain skills in coding, communication and problem solving, including how to break down and tackle complex problems using modern statistical data analysis techniques with computers.
How will I learn astronomy online?
This astronomy and planetary science degree is the world’s first online accredited undergraduate astronomy degree. With custom-built classes and innovative coursework, this program makes learning astronomy online easy. The curriculum 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.
What can I do with this astronomy degree?
Upon graduation, you can expect to find careers in fields that value scientific knowledge. This includes the ability to use modern statistical data analysis techniques. You may also find jobs within K-12 STEM teaching, writing and journalism, science policy or statistical data analysis and computer programming.
Will my degree say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Why earn an astronomy degree?
Watch videoAstronomical and planetary science courses
In this online astronomy degree, you’ll complete courses in communication, mathematics, physical sciences, astronomy, planetary science and engineering. You’ll also gain a greater understanding of the computational tools and techniques used to carry out astronomy and planetary science research. Courses may include:
AST 301: Physics of Astrophysics
AST 321: Introduction to Planetary and Stellar Astrophysics
AST 322: Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
SES 106: Habitable Worlds (SQ)
SES 350: Engineering Systems and Experimental Problem Solving
SES 376: Communicating Astronomical and Planetary Sciences I
SES 377: Communicating Astronomical and Planetary Sciences II
AST 111: Introduction to Solar Systems Astronomy (SQ)
Jobs you could get with a bachelor’s in astronomy
As a graduate with an astronomy bachelor’s degree, you can expect to find work in a variety of fields, including teaching, research, writing and the government and aerospace sectors. You may also pursue careers within observatories, planetariums and museums. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Computer Programmer
Data Analyst
Elementary Teacher
High School Teacher
Middle School Teacher
News Reporter
Production Assistant
Technical Writer
Web Developer
Explore space with experts in astronomy and planetary studies
Faculty in the School of Earth and Space Exploration are academic leaders in their respective fields. Our faculty focus on collaboration, research, innovation and teaching, with an emphasis on advancing scholarship, discovery, research and science. Our expertise spans a variety of fields, from astrobiology, astrophysics and astronomy to geological and planetary science, systems design and more.
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences Elected Member.
- American Chemical Society Medalist.
- American Geophysical Union Fellows.
- American Astronomical Society Fellows.
- Mineralogical Society of American Roebling Medalist.
- National Academies of Sciences Lectureship.
Explore space with experts in astronomy and planetary studies
Faculty in the School of Earth and Space Exploration are academic leaders in their respective fields. Our faculty focus on collaboration, research, innovation and teaching, with an emphasis on advancing scholarship, discovery, research and science. Our expertise spans a variety of fields, from astrobiology, astrophysics and astronomy to geological and planetary science, systems design and more.
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences Elected Member.
- American Chemical Society Medalist.
- American Geophysical Union Fellows.
- American Astronomical Society Fellows.
- Mineralogical Society of American Roebling Medalist.
- National Academies of Sciences Lectureship.
How to apply
first-year student
You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Study with a school that’s out of this world
The School of Earth and Space Exploration is focused on exploring planet Earth and the universe beyond. The school breaks traditional boundaries by combining studies of earth and space science to answer some of the biggest questions in science. Researchers in the school are currently principal investigators or co-investigators on orbiters and rovers studying Mars, the moon, asteroids and Jupiter’s moon Europa. Other researchers are studying the Milky Way, the origins of life on earth, engineering systems design and more to set the stage for a new era of exploration.
12
NASA missions in progress at the school.
40,000
individual meteorites, the largest university collection.
1
satellite launched into space.
1 of 5
schools capable of building NASA-certified flight instruments for space.
Tuition calculator
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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