Astrophysics ,Minor
Galactic, Planetary Science, Research, astronomy, cosmology, stars
Learn about Earth's solar system, our galaxy and the universe. Join astrophysics students and faculty who are building spaceflight hardware, making astronomical observations, discovering new planets, exploring cosmology, and engineering new instruments for telescopes and satellites.
If you are interested in developing a background in the theoretical modeling and observational techniques of galactic and stellar astronomy, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology, the astrophysics minor program is designed for you.
When you complete the minor, you'll be able to think critically about scientific problems by reducing complex problems to their most important attributes and then designing experiments, observations and theoretical models that address those attributes.
If you are pursuing an astrophysics minor, you are expected to have a strong background in physics and mathematics.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
This video provides an overview of the Astrophysics degree program at ASU.
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in astrophysics consists of a minimum of 20 credit hours, of which at least 12 credit hours must be upper division. Students complete 12 credit hours of required coursework and select one of three eight-credit hour options to complete the minor. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be taken from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy minor requirements. |
||
|
AST 321 Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
AST 322 Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
AST 421 Astrophysics I
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
AST 422 Astrophysics II
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
8 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 8 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
|
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BS in earth and space exploration (astrophysics); other concentrations of the BS in earth and space exploration are compatible with the astrophysics minor as long as option 2 or option 3 of the minor is pursued.
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Minor programs enable students to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors.
The astrophysics minor supplements other technical degrees. Graduates have learned advanced problem-solving techniques and skills used in modern astrophysics research, which are applicable to a wide variety of engineering and science careers.
School of Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
sese-advising@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.
