Astrophysics is the physics of celestial bodies. Majoring in it concerns learning about the physical properties and evolution of stars, planets, galaxies, and quasars—the stuff of the universe. Astrophysics is also closely linked with mathematics and computer science.
Many Astrophysics programs put a great deal of emphasis on research. In Penn State University's program, students not only do research, but also build the very instruments with which they do it. Besides your independent and collaborative research, Astrophysics exposes you to processes of the birth and death of stars. Along the way you’ll learn how to use instruments like reflecting telescopes, gas proportional counters, and CCD cameras (big contraptions designed specifically for taking pictures of the heavens). You’ll walk away understanding the properties of active galactic nuclei. You’ll master general relativity, galactic dynamics, cosmology, and the physics of space plasma. If these subjects sound mysterious, that’s because the universe is a mysterious thing, and the goal of the Astrophysics major is to help you understand it.
Astrodynamics
Astronomy of the Distant Universe
Birth & Death of Stars
Computational Astrophysics
Cosmology
Electromagnetic Radiation and Plasma Physics
Galaxies and Galactic Dynamics
General Relativity
High Energy Astrophysics and Compact Objects
Molecular Astrophysics
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Physics of the Interstellar Medium
Quantum Physics and Relativity
Radio Astronomy
Stellar Structure and Evolution
Winds, Bubbles, and Explosions in Galaxies
Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.
Ready to create the next great app? Launch your gaming career at one of these top 50 programs.
165,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.
Join athletes who were discovered, recruited & often received scholarships after connecting with NCSA's 42,000 strong network of coaches.