Astrophysics Concentration
of the Physics Bachelor of Science
Program Description
Astrophysics is the study of the stellar and galactic evolution and the origins of the universe. It is an inherently multidisciplinary field that brings together physics knowledge in thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, optics, and electromagnetism with chemistry and other topics. The astrophysics concentration, rather than including 18 credit hours of electives as in the standard physics major, specifies 18 credit hours of ASTR coursework including Astrophysics I and II. Astrophysics graduates go on to graduate and professional school in fields such as physics, astronomy, engineering, computer science, medical physics, medicine, law, and finance. Astrophysics graduates can be found working in a variety of fields under titles such as physicist, engineer, analyst, and consultant.
The Astrophysics Concentration of the physics major will create students who:
- Understand the fundamental areas of physics (mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics).
- Can apply the techniques of experimental physics, data reduction, error analysis, and computing.
- Adapt readily to new and fluid situations.
- Can communicate technical ideas.
- Learn and engage with new concepts, skills, tools, and techniques.
- Function independently in a variety of fields
- Are tenacious problem solvers.
- Communicate and contribute effectively within multidisciplinary teams as ethical, socially conscious practitioners and leaders.
After graduation, Physics graduates will use these skills to pursue advanced studies or to secure a professional position.
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex problems by applying principles of science, engineering, and mathematics.
- An ability to design experiments and apply design principles to solve problems that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of activities in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use good judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
- An ability to use computational techniques to model and solve problems.
| Academic Year | Enrollment | Degrees Awarded |
| 2024-2025 | 25 | TBD |
| 2023-2024 | 26 | 1 |
| 2022-2023 | 18 | - |
| 2021-2022 | 20 | 5 |
| 2020-2021 | 25 | 5 |
| 2019-2020 | 35 | 7 |
| 2018-2019 | 51 | 6 |
| 2017-2018 | 58 | 11 |
| 2016-2017 | 63 | 9 |
| 2015-2016 | 68 | 8 |
Notes: Numbers above include students in both the Physics B.S. as well as the Physics B.S. Concentration in Astrophysics. The Engineering Physics, B.S.E. began fall 2017; students in the B.S.E. are not included in the numbers above.