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Astrophysics ,Minor

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 space-flight hardware, making astronomical observations, discovering new planets, exploring cosmology and engineering new instruments for telescopes and satellites.

Description

The astrophysics minor is designed for students interested in developing a background in the theoretical modeling and observational techniques of galactic and stellar astronomy, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology.

Students completing the minor are able to think critically about scientific problems by reducing complex problems to their most important attributes and are able to design experiments, observations and theoretical models that address those attributes.

Students pursuing an astrophysics minor are expected to have a strong background in physics and mathematics.

At a glance
Program requirements

The minor in astrophysics consists of a minimum of 20 credit hours. 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. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
Required Courses -- 12 credit hours
Electives Options -- 8 credit hours
Choose one of the following options for the additional eight credit hours. (8)
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
In order to satisfy Scientific Thinking in Natural Sciences (SCIT) General Studies requirements, both a lecture and its corresponding laboratory section must be completed.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.

Enrollment requirements

GPA Requirement: None

Incompatible Majors: BS in earth and space exploration (astrophysics); other BS in earth and space exploration concentrations 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 or the minor program. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.

Career opportunities

Minor programs allow students to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors.

The astrophysics minor supplements other technical degrees with advanced problem-solving techniques and skills used in modern astrophysics research, which are applicable to a wide variety of engineering and science careers.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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