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.
Program 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.
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.
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 Outlook
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.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Aerospace Engineers
Growth: 6.1%
Median Salary*: 126880
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Growth: 8.3%
Median Salary*: 74410
Astronomers
Growth: 4.6%
Median Salary*: 128330
Computer Programmers
Growth: -11.2%
Median Salary*: 97800
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth: 3.6%
Median Salary*: 97770
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Growth: 2.1%
Median Salary*: 107970
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Growth: 4.4%
Median Salary*: 83780
Physicists
Growth: 4.7%
Median Salary*: 142850
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth: 3.8%
Median Salary*: 86550
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
