Astronomical and Planetary Sciences (Astrophysics) ,BS
Galaxies, Planets, Space, Technology, astronomy, cosmology, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), stars, universe
Be at the edge of exploration, making new discoveries in the solar system and out to the edge of the universe. Explore exoplanets and cosmology, analyze space telescope images, and search for the first stars.
The online Bachelor of Science program in astronomical and planetary sciences with a concentration in astrophysics provides you with broad training in the scientific foundations required to understand and communicate the fundamentals of astrophysics and ongoing advances in the field. You'll receive a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, topical courses focused on diverse fields within astronomy and planetary science, and the application of engineering and computational tools and techniques used to carry out research.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You can find more information about education benefits offered by VA at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
- Math
intensity: Substantial
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available, astrophysics students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
Graduates of this concentration are prepared for technical careers in astrophysics and planetary sciences that require quantitative problem solving, data analysis and science communication skills; they are also prepared for graduate school.
Career opportunities include:
- analytical lab technician
- astronomer
- data analyst
- instrumentation specialist
- museum director
- planetary scientist
- research scientist
- science teacher
- science writer
- telescope operator
Career settings include:
- aerospace industry organizations
- educational institutions
- federal, state and local government agencies
- manufacturing centers
- museums and planetariums
- NASA facilities
- national laboratories
- National Science Foundation facilities
- observatories
- space industry organizations
Further information and resources are available atSchool of Earth and Space Exploration career opportunities.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
8.1%
|
$82,890
|
|
|
2.2%
|
$128,820
|
|
|
-6.0%
|
$100,390
|
|
|
-2.5%
|
$50,330
|
|
|
-2.0%
|
$63,970
|
|
|
-1.6%
|
$72,040
|
|
|
-2.0%
|
$64,370
|
|
|
2.7%
|
$73,620
|
|
|
0.9%
|
$90,390
|
|
|
7.5%
|
$92,650
|
School of Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
sese-online@asu.edu
480-965-5081
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
