MS Exploration Systems Design (Instrumentation) at Arizona State University

Programme overview

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.

What you will study

30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SES 511) Required Core (5 credit hours) SES 501 SESE Colloquium (1) SES 502 Exploring SESE Research (1) SES 510 Graduate Exploration Project I (3) Concentration (9 credit hours) 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) Electives or Research (13 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) SES 511 Graduate Exploration Project II (3) Additional Curriculum Information Students select three courses from the available concentration coursework.

Career pathways

The U.S. and Arizona have a considerable presence of aerospace and other technology companies that have a high demand for skilled labor.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

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: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts written statement three letters of recommendation proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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