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.
The astrophysics minor program is designed for students who are interested in developing a background in the theoretical modeling and observational techniques of galactic and stellar astronomy, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology.
Students who complete the minor are 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.
Students pursuing an astrophysics minor are expected to have a strong background in physics and mathematics.
2025-2026 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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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.
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AST 321 Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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AST 322 Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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AST 421 Astrophysics I
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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AST 422 Astrophysics II
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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OR OR
8 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 8 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
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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 after 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 the 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
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ISTB4 795
sese-advising@asu.edu
480-965-5081
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.
