Can You Major in Astrophysics as an Undergraduate?

[Aren Lampman]

Hello,

I want to become an Astrophysicist, but I do not know the "structure" of events that it takes to become one. Is Astrophysics a Bachelor's program, or is it a Graduate program? For example, can you major in Astrophysics, or do you need to major in a smaller element like physics or astronomy, and then take Astrophysics in the Graduate program? Also, I was wondering what would be best to take as a major and minor if you cannot directly take Astrophysics. Should I major in physics and minor in astronomy, or major in astronomy and minor in physics?

 

[QuantumCurt]

There are only a few schools I've heard of that offer a bachelor's in astrophysics. That doesn't really matter too much though. At the undergraduate level, an astrophysics major is essentially a physics major with an astronomy minor.

 

[Astronuc]

There are only a few schools I've heard of that offer a bachelor's in astrophysics. That doesn't really matter too much though. At the undergraduate level, an astrophysics major is essentially a physics major with an astronomy minor.

That was my experience nearly 40 years ago, and still seems to be prevalent today. For examples,
http://www.phys.utk.edu/undergraduate/bachelors.html
and http://www.brown.edu/academics/physics/undergraduate-program/physics-concentrations/physics-concentrations

On the other hand, some universities do offer an undergraduate program in astronomy/astrophysics, but which could be tied with a physics degree.
http://astronomy.fas.harvard.edu/undergraduate-program
http://www.as.utexas.edu/astronomy/education/degree.html

 

[QuantumCurt]

Some schools also offer a physics major with an astrophysics concentration, although it's not necessarily an astrophysics degree, and it's not necessarily a physics degree with an astronomy minor. It's essentially the same, but with some slightly different focus and a few course alterations. UIUC is one of these schools. They offer degrees in both physics and astronomy, and although they don't offer an astrophysics degree, you can basically do your bachelors in astrophysics. If the name on the degree is for some reason important, it's definitely worth doing some research.

 

[Matrix0]

Hello,

First of all, congratulations on your interest in becoming an Astrophysicist! It is a fascinating and rewarding field of study.

To answer your questions, Astrophysics can be both a Bachelor's and a Graduate program. Some universities offer a Bachelor's degree specifically in Astrophysics, while others may offer it as a specialization within a Physics or Astronomy major. Similarly, for Graduate programs, some universities offer a Master's or PhD in Astrophysics, while others may offer it as a specialization within a Physics or Astronomy program.

If Astrophysics is not offered as a direct major at your university, it would be best to major in either Physics or Astronomy and then take courses in Astrophysics as electives or as part of a minor. Both majors will provide a strong foundation for understanding the principles and theories of Astrophysics.

As for which one to choose as a major and minor, it ultimately depends on your interests and career goals. If you are more interested in the theoretical and mathematical aspects of Astrophysics, then a major in Physics would be a good choice. If you are more interested in observational and experimental aspects, then a major in Astronomy would be a better fit.

In summary, Astrophysics can be studied at both the Bachelor's and Graduate level, and it can be pursued as a direct major or as a specialization within a Physics or Astronomy program. It is important to choose a major and minor that align with your interests and career goals. Best of luck on your journey to becoming an Astrophysicist!