Astrophysics Degrees

Detailed profiles of schools for Astrophysics from the EdRef college search portal.

Astrophysics programs prepare students for careers in teaching, research, and related scientific areas. Students start the program by studying a rigorous series of astronomy and physics courses. Most programs feature observational, laboratory, and computational facilities that allow students to be exposed to the most pressing astrophysical research problems in modern astrophysics. Students examine phenomena such as stars, planets, galaxies, black holes. They learn the two main skills of the astrophysical field: observation and modeling. These two skills are both underpinned by the language of mathematics that is used to evaluate data and construct models.

Many programs feature a large component of computer science to supplement the student’s education in physics and mathematics. Advanced courses in astrophysics include observational methods, galaxies, cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, and computational methods. Many students specialize in either math and physics or computer studies. Most astrophysics programs include study in general education as well, including communication, arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.