School of Earth and Space Exploration (All Majors)

About this opportunity

ASU’s School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) is a bold initiative that combines science and engineering research and education to achieve a better understanding of the evolution of the Universe from the Big Bang to the evolution of life to the future of environmental conditions on our home world.  To meet this goal, SESE unites Earth, planetary, and space scientists with engineering faculty to develop and deploy scientific instrumentation on Earth and in space.

Our undergraduate degrees provide the initial training for career paths in the earth and space sciences, systems engineering, environmental science and sustainability, and science education.  SESE graduates are prepared for admission into strong graduate and professional schools or may assume positions in industry, education, consultancy, utilities, regulatory agencies, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, or local, state or federal government.  By engaging a breadth of knowledge and experience, and by acquiring the skills to integrate various domains of knowledge, SESE students prepare themselves for a variety of careers to help find solutions to challenges having to do with biodiversity and habitats, climate, natural hazards, space exploration, economy and society, energy, materials and technology, governance and policy, international development, urbanization, food systems, and water.  Our goal is to help you develop the skills you need to establish a rewarding and productive career.  There are many options, depending on your talents, interests, and area of focus.

For more information see the SESE Webpage: https://sese.asu.edu/degrees/undergraduate

Any Barrett student who is considering majoring or minoring in Earth & Space Exploration or Earth & Environmental Studies should contact the lead FHA.

Thesis

SESE faculty enthusiastically involve undergraduates in research, in the lab and in the field.  Projects are possible in all the areas of earth and space science and engineering in which our faculty are engaged (explore research areas here: https://sese.asu.edu and choose research from the top menu).  In some cases, students are paid from research grants or through involvement undergraduate research programs such as the ASU/NASA Space Grant program (http://nasa.asu.edu/).  These research opportunities can evolve into Honors thesis projects via enrollment in AST/GLG/SES 492 and 493.

An honors thesis for SESE majors typically spans 2 semesters and involves 6 credit hours:

AST/GLG/SES 492 Honors Directed Study (3) – 492 is intended for the formulation of a thesis topic, outline of the scope of research, and initial data collection in consultation with your thesis director.  Completion of 3 credit hours of AST/GLG/SES 492 and preparation of a SESE Research Proposal is a pre-requisite for enrolling in AST/GLG/SES 493 Honors Thesis and completion of the thesis.

AST/GLG/SES 493 Honors Thesis (3) – Guided research with your thesis director and committee to complete the proposed research in written form as an honors thesis.

An honors thesis committee in SESE consists of three members: the thesis director, a second reader, and a third reader.  The thesis director and second reader must be a full professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or lecturer. It is your responsibility to understand the role of the committee and to communicate with each committee member, as detailed on the BHC Honors Thesis webpages.  Students is responsible for formulating a thesis topic in consultation with their thesis director, for requesting faculty to serve on their committee, for submitting the necessary forms to the Honors College, and for informing the Chair of the committee of all Honors College requirements and deadlines, particularly where they differ from SESE Senior Thesis requirements and deadlines.

Academic Preparation

Most SESE majors conduct undergraduate research under the guidance of a faculty member.  It is important to discuss with your thesis director whether any specific classes or trainings are needed for your work.  Students can reach out to any faculty member or to the SESE FHA's for information about research opportunities.

Recommended Timeline

Typically, students begin their thesis research during their 3rd year in SESE and complete their thesis in either Year 3 or Year 4.  There is no set timeline however; some students begin earlier and some begin later.

Other Honors Opportunities

Students can request Honors Enrichment Contract credit for any AST/GLG/SES class, in subjects ranging from environmental science, geology, and geophysics to planetary science and systems engineering, to astrobiology, astronomy, and astrophysics. The requirements will be negotiated with the instructor.