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What is Astrophysics?

Astrophysics is the study of physics and how it relates to the universe through the observation of interactions between galaxies, planets, stars and other celestial object. Astrophysics degree holders understand this learning domain is a branch of astronomy and applies various sciences in its research. Degrees are available from associate's level to PhD, and entry level work typically requires at least a bachelor's. Astrophysics studies may often be found in an institutions' astronomy or aerospace engineering programs, or as a sub-field of physics.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$114,870

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

67.73%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

20,763

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Astrophysics Degree

Harvard University's top ranked Astrophysics degree program provides students the foundation which they may consider some of the deepest questions of the physical universe. The program involves the study of matter and radiation in the universe as understood through the laws of physics. Introducing students to a broad range of phenomena through a program of both observational and theoretical courses. Offering a base of modern physics to a general account of the known contents of the universe. The institution offers excellent undergraduate programs and has gained a reputation for its quality instruction.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Princeton University's Department of Astrophysical Sciences offers advanced training in astrophysics. The faculty and staff in the department conduct world-leading research in the field. The graduate program in Astrophysical Sciences prepares students for scientific careers in astrophysics through a combination of classes and early and active participation in research projects, culminating in original thesis research. The institution provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to assist them in their growth and development.

Acceptance Rate

5.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Yale University's Summer degree in Astrophysics is a research and enrichment program hosted at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium. The program consists of a two-week online, directed self-study program followed by a four-week residential program. Students learn together to program and analyze data in the computer lab at the Leitner Observatory and use the telescopes at the Leitner Observatory to collect data for their research project. After completing the program they will write up results in the form of a scientific paper and then present those results at their YSPA mini-conference. Providing students with the opportunity to be academically and personally challenged in a professional scientific environment. Teaching them practical skills in computer programming, data analysis, statistics, writing, and other research methods, skills which are essential in all science, engineering, and tech fields.

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York's Astrophysics major is designed as preparation for graduate study and consists of a standard physics major sequence. The program is under the Department of Astronomy. It is a year-long introduction to astrophysics and two required courses covering advanced topics in astronomy. Offering numerous introductory astronomy courses at the 1000-level that do not have prerequisites.    

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

California Institute of Technology's Astrophysics major has a goal of understanding the physical processes that govern the universe, its constituents, and their origins and evolution. Theoretical work and technology development round out astrophysics. The program is designed to provide students a deeper understanding of the basic facts and concepts of astronomy today and provide a basis for graduate work in astronomy/astrophysics. Students should gain as broad a background as possible in related fields of science and engineering.

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Swarthmore College's Physics and Astronomy Department offers a wide variety of classes including an ambitious curriculum of advanced seminars for their physics, astrophysics, and astronomy majors, but also many introductory classes for all students. Students in the department have many opportunities for exploration and discovery, including frequent participation in original research with faculty members. Preparing students well for the top physics and astronomy graduate programs, and also for graduate programs in education, engineering, law, international relations, and other fields. The institution strives to build community and work collaboratively and create an environment where each person can learn and grow and have their contributions respected.

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Rice University's Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree with a Major in Astrophysics provides students a deeper understanding of fundamental ideas in Mechanics, concepts in Electromagnetism, and concepts in Quantum Mechanics. Students will be knowledgeable in the fundamental topics in Astrophysics. They will also be proficient in research techniques and methodology under the guidance of a faculty member. Upon completing the program, graduates can communicate scientific results both in writing and oral presentations.  

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Williams College's Astrophysics degree emphasizes the description of the universe and its constituents in terms of physical processes. Providing training and experiences in physics and mathematics. The institution is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. Exposing students to a variety of topics and subjects.   

Acceptance Rate

12.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Tufts University's research in astrophysics has a goal to understand how galaxies formed, what physical processes are responsible for the inferred changes, the co-evolution between the host galaxy and its central supermassive black hole, and the dusty phases of galaxy formation and black hole growth. Research in these areas involves faculty, postdoc, visitors, graduate, and undergraduate students. To pursue their science goals, Tufts astronomers, faculty, and students make use of many of the world's leading space and ground-based observational facilities. The institution provides a variety of degree programs for students to guide them in their growth and development.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Barnard College's Physics and Astronomy offers a thorough pre-professional curriculum in both physics and astronomy. Their faculty represents a wide range of expertise, with special strengths and distinction in theoretical gravitational and condensed matter physics, and observational astrophysics. Separate majors in physics and astronomy are offered at Barnard College. A major in astrophysics is also possible. The institution has a liberal arts curriculum that exposes students to a variety of essential topics and subjects.

Acceptance Rate

11.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of California-Los Angeles' Division of Astronomy & Astrophysics offers a rewarding environment to pursue higher education and topical research. Every member of the Division carries out active research programs that garner widespread international recognition. Doctoral students can participate in a variety of research projects, which frequently incorporate observations with the world's largest ground-based telescopes, orbiting observatories, and other astronomical facilities. Their Ph.D. recipients go on to highly productive careers in academia, government, industry, and business.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of California-Berkeley's Astrophysics major provides students the study of the origin and evolution of the Universe, to space physics, the study of rarefied plasma in the solar system. Astrophysicists seek to understand the origin, evolution, and destiny of the Universe and its constituent galaxies, stars, planets, and the entire observed Universe serves as their laboratory. The institution has a reputation of excellence, boasting many renowned graduates and faculty members. It is known nearly as much for its colorful history of political and social activism as itis for its exemplary academics.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Colby College's Physics and Astronomy research areas collectively cover most of the primary subdisciplines in physics, including condensed matter physics, atomic and molecular physics, astronomy and astrophysics, particle physics, and cosmology. Offering a wide range of courses in traditional core areas of physics as well as advanced upper-level courses in specialized areas of interest. It is designed to be flexible and to fit within the context of a strong liberal arts education. Preparing students for careers or advanced training in science, teaching, business, medical professions, and engineering.

Acceptance Rate

9.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Carnegie Mellon University's Astrophysics and Cosmology group covers a wide range of problems in theoretical, computational, and observational cosmology. The department is part of the worldwide scientific effort to put constraints on the basic cosmological parameters that describe the evolution of the universe. Many of these parameters are expected to be tied down over the next decade using data from the current and planned ground-based and space-based observatories. It is a nonprofit institution offering a variety of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The United States Military Academy's Space Science is the science of the space environment as well as the science behind the technology of spacecraft, satellites, and space exploration. Through the understanding of the aforementioned technologies and systems, space scientists develop and assemble a myriad of technical devices that are a part of a modern space-enabled profession. The major is designed to provide the cadet a solid foundation in orbital mechanics, the space environment, astronomy, astrophysics, space physics, remote sensing, and rocket propulsion. Student outcomes are the cadets possess or must attain they can apply mathematical and scientific knowledge to identify, formulate, and solve Space Science problems, they can conduct experiments, apply the scientific method, as well as analyze and interpret data, just to name a few.

Acceptance Rate

12.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Wellesley College's Department of Physics and Astronomy offers an interdepartmental major in Astrophysics which combines the Physics major with a foundation of course work in Astronomy. The goal of the program is to provide a rigorous and organized program of study for students wishing to pursue graduate study in astronomy or astrophysics and for those who would like a coordinated astronomy extension to the physics major. The institution exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. Offering essential assistance in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment.

Acceptance Rate

21.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Colgate University's Department of Physics and Astronomy explores fundamental questions about the nature of matter and the universe and confronts challenging and exciting scientific problems. Students tackle challenging and exciting scientific problems and learn in an atmosphere that encourages engagement and discovery. Colgate University provides students the opportunity to explore academic interests in small classes that offer unparalleled access to distinguished faculty, top-tier facilities, and graduate-level research opportunities for undergraduates. The institution assists students in developing essential skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment.         

Acceptance Rate

22.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Haverford College's Astrophysics degree program is committed to providing each of its majors a solid foundation in the basic principles of both astronomy and physics. Providing a deeper understanding of their most recent developments, and the tools and inspiration to pursue learning in both. Students in the program research is a vital part of the major. Their faculty consists of extraordinary teachers and mentors and they also work at the cutting edge of modern astronomy and cosmology, creating exceptional research opportunities for majors.

Acceptance Rate

16.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Lehigh University's major in Astrophysics provides students the application of physics and mathematics to the study of planets, stars, galaxies, pulsars, black holes, quasars, and the universe. Students usually have very inquisitive minds and a good aptitude for physics and mathematics. The bachelor's degree program in astrophysics provides students with a solid background in the laboratory and theoretical astrophysics as well as in the fundamentals of physics and mathematics. Lehigh's Astrophysics alumni work in positions at colleges, universities, national labs, and at NASA or with its contractors.

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Whitman College's Physics-Astronomy provides students a solid foundation in the fundamentals central to the physical sciences, pursue their interest in astronomy, and develop the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills they need to succeed in graduate or professional school. Students at Whitman College have the opportunity to understand the laws governing fundamental natural phenomena and the applications of those laws within the context of a classical liberal arts education. Students can enjoy access to an array of sophisticated, real-world technologies and facilities including lasers, electromagnets, spectrometers, just to name a few. The institution is considered one of the best colleges for a liberal arts education in the United States.   

Acceptance Rate

55.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Texas Christian University's Department of Physics & Astronomy equips students with core knowledge in fundamental physics, opportunities to apply physical principles, and techniques to a broad range of problems. Students at TCU can experience the creation of new knowledge through research. Offering a large number of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. The institution offers an urban setting for students with a highly regarded academic prowess across multiple areas of study.  Learn more about the TCU programs that may be a great fit for you today.  

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Baylor University's Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for graduate studies or careers. They can pursue in the field of technology, medicine, education, law, finance, industry, and other professions. Students planning to attend graduate school in astrophysics are advised to pursue this degree. It is a nonprofit institution offering an assortment of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for their future. 

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' Astrophysics course offers data from powerful new technologies. Students study the physics of the universe and interpret observational data through mathematical and physical laws. Astrophysicists apply disciplines of physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, and atoms and molecular physics. Career opportunities after completing the program are university researcher, research equipment designer, planetarium technician, just to name a few.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Astrophysics degree program provides students answers to a wide range of questions and others through active observational and theoretical programs. Students search for the nature of dark matter, attempt to determine the expansion rate and density of the universe, and explore the origin, evolution, and nature of large galaxy clusters, and other topics. Their faculty and students work at major facilities around the world. The institution is considered one of the top research universities in the United States with a history of scientific innovation.

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of California-Santa Cruz's Physics and Astrophysics major is administered by the Physics Department and combines a core physics major with advanced electives in astrophysics, an astrophysics laboratory course, and senior thesis work on a topic in astrophysics. It is a rigorous program designed to prepare students for a broad range of technical careers or entry into graduate or professional programs. The institution was designed to offer a small liberal arts college feel with the resources of a full research institution. Offering a large number of majors allowing students to choose the program of study that best suits their future academic and professional goals.

Acceptance Rate

51.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Top Astrophysics Colleges

Performing deep research on an astrophysics degree, you will quickly find a number of accredited colleges and universities offer a number of opportunities to consider. While programs exist from certificate through PhD, the most common degree type for an astrophysicist major is a bachelors degree. It may be a surprise to some, but the next most popular college degree in astrophysics is the doctoral program.

Credit requirements and average program cost to earn each type of degree will depend on the university. For example, we found Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University a high value school in both the aerospace engineering degree as well as astronomy degree programs. The aerospace science engineering offers degree options bachelor but less affordable bachelor degrees than aerospace engineering average costs.

An astrophysics engineering average program will require undergraduate and graduate students to take a series of core classes that may include:

  • Physics of Stars
  • Relativistic Astrophysics
  • Methods of Computational Science
  • Radiative Process
  • Cosmology and Galaxy Formation

What Will I Learn in an Astrophysics Degree Program?

In addition to general education courses and science-rich classes, the bulk of astrophysics degree programs will spend substantive time and energy focused on building credit while helping students understand the following:

  • Heavenly Bodies: These set of courses focus on planets, moon, sun, stars, galaxies, nebulae, cosmic microwave background, and extrasolar planets.
  • Properties of Heavenly Bodies: Classes in this cluster provide students with an understanding of temperature, lumosity, chemical composition, density, physical properties, and emissions of heavenly bodies.
  • Theoretical Astrophysics: The core purpose of theoretical astrophysics is to gather data, create working models, and ascertain the observational consequences and quantifiable implications of that model. Examples of widely studies theories in astrophysics include: wormholes, cosmic inflation, dark energy, black holes, and dark matter.
  • Observational Astrophysics: An observational model in astrophysics is the discipline of gathering data through neutrino, gravitational waves, and electromagnetic spectrum. The most common method of data collection is through electromagnetic spectrum which includes sub-fields such as gamma ray, x-ray, optical, ultraviolet, radio, and infrared astronomy.

Jobs & Program Requirements for Astronomy Students

Astrophysicists typically find work in publicly funded research through educational institutions. Some industrial and private sector jobs are also available to astrophysicists. As with most science related careers, higher level degrees will open up more up opportunities and higher pay. The job market for astrophysics is estimated to grow at 7% through 2024 and add around 1,500 new jobs during that time frame. The median income for astronomers and physicists is approximately $114,870 per year which translates to $55.23 per hour, with a low ranging between of $46,000 and $57,000. The average wage for astronomy and space scientists is approximately $131,000 per year. Income will vary based on experience, education and funding available.

Astrophysics Student Resources & Requirements

Individuals interested in a career in astrophysics may also wish to consider a degree in astronomy, physics or environmental science. It will be vital to read the course catalog for hours and credit requirements. Alternatively, joining a national association like the AAA or the Astronomy League may be worth considering as you enter the professional field.

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