Astrophysics
Overview
Astrophysics is the study of the physics of the universe.Astrophysics programs include topics such as:
- Cosmology
- Stellar physics
- Mathematical modeling
- Plasma kinetics
- Radiation transfer theory
- Galactic structure theory
Schools
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in astrophysics. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in astrophysics. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Astronomy
- Chemistry
- Engineering Physics
- Geochemistry
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Physical Sciences, General
- Physics
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Computer Math courses
- Advanced Geometry courses
- Advanced Physics courses
- Astronomy
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- General Computer Applications
- Physical Science
- Technical Writing
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor’s degree in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or a related science, good grades, and good test scores. If your degree is in an area other than physics, you may be required to complete certain prerequisite undergraduate physics courses.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Physics
- Statement of research interest and personal goals
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Calculus
- Classical Mechanics
- Differential Equations
- Electricity and Magnetism
- English Composition
- General Chemistry
- Independent Research
- Instrumental Methods
- Introductory Astrophysics
- Modern Experimental Physics
- Modern Physics
- Optics and Wave Phenomena
- Quantum and Atomic Physics
- Scientific Computer Programming
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
- Vector Analysis
No matter where you go to school, you're likely to take a set of "core" courses similar to the list above. Once you've completed those courses, you can take advanced courses in astrophysics. Courses may include:
- Advanced Mechanics
- Advanced Theory of Electricity and Magnetism
- Atmospheric Physics
- Galactic Astrophysics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Stellar Astrophysics
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate students usually focus on a particular area of research interest or application of astrophysics. Typical courses vary by specialty. All require original research and extensive use of computer modeling. A list of common graduate requirements is below:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
A bachelor's degree may qualify you to work as a research assistant or technician in an astrophysics lab. A master's degree can lead to a job in a planetarium or as technical support at an observatory or planetary institute.
A postdoctoral research assignment can help you get experience before finding a permanent research position.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Physics--Astrophysics Option
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Astronomy