Astrophysics Major B.S.

Preparation for research institutions, government, industry or teaching
Opportunities for undergraduate research
Facilities including laser labs, Edwards Accelerator Lab and more
Advanced course emphasis in theoretical and observational astronomy
Preparation for graduate study in astrophysics and related fields

Program Overview

The B.S. degree in physics astrophysics provides a substantial introduction to classical and modern physics, with advanced course emphasis in theoretical and observational astronomy. Students graduating with this degree will have a good understanding of Newtonian mechanics, electromagnetic phenomena, thermodynamics, and special relativity along with expertise related to the physics of stars, the interstellar medium, and galaxies, and the methods by which each is studied. Students will also gain practical skills from laboratory and computer programming courses.

Careers and Graduate School

Recipients of the B.S. degree possess high-level problem-solving skills that can lead to opportunities for employment in research institutions, government, industry, or teaching. This degree also prepares students for graduate study in astrophysics and related fields.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements. However, it is recommended that students entering the program have at least a Math Placement Level II, or an ACT Math score of 24, or a SAT Math score of 560.

Change of Program Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements. However, it is recommended that students changing into the program have at least a Math Placement Level II, or an ACT Math score of 24, or a SAT Math score of 560.

External Transfer Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements. However, it is recommended that students transferring into the program have at least a Math Placement Level II, or an ACT Math score of 24, or a SAT Math score of 560.

Degree Requirements

Major Code: BS3335

University-Wide Graduation Requirements

To complete this program, students must meet all University-wide graduation requirements.

College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences

View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Physics Hours Requirement

Complete a total of 33 semester credit hours of PHYS coursework, including all the requirements below.

General Physics Sequence

General Physics I

Complete one of the following courses:

PHYS 2051 - General Physics Credit Hours: 5.0
PHYS 2051H - General Physics for Physics and Astronomy Majors Credit Hours: 5.0

General Physics II

Complete one of the following courses:

PHYS 2052 - General Physics Credit Hours: 5.0
PHYS 2052H - General Physics for Physics and Astronomy Majors Credit Hours: 5.0

Other Physics Courses