Astronomy / Astrophysics

Concentration in astronomy/astrophysics

The Physics department offers a bachelor's of science degree in physics with a concentration in astronomy and astrophysics.

Explore your interests in the universe, and uncover the mysteries of nature. Probe the far reaches of space and the depths of the ocean, and meet our planet's environmental challenges. You'll learn the observational and analytical methods astronomers use to study the cosmos, as well as the physics behind celestial phenomena.

The powerful array of technical skills you'll acquire as a physics major will prepare you for a career in many areas of theoretical and applied science. You'll be ready to assume leadership roles in industry, business, and government or explore the fields of materials science, biophysics, geophysics, oceanography, and medical physics.

As a physicist, you can investigate the structure of the atom, design and program computers, solve environmental problems, and develop new manufacturing materials. Physicists lead some of the world's major technology companies and research institutes, paving the way for technological innovations such as lasers, solar cells, electric cars, medical diagnostics, and computers.

Our curriculum covers all of the core fields of physics: classical and quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, modern physics and relativity, optics, thermodynamics, and solid state physics.

As a physics major, you will:

apply critical thinking, computer, and electronic skills to solve problems
develop the mathematical analysis and technical writing skills potential employers are seeking
train in advanced laboratory techniques, computer simulation, and numerical modeling

For the BS in physics, you'll complete at least 45 credits in physics courses and a total of 120 credits overall.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Student success

Mckenzie Ferrari '23

During her stellar undergraduate career at UMassD, Mckenzie Ferrari '23 studied exploding stars and simulations that model them. Her research activity resulted in multiple national recognitions and scientific publications – an uncommon feat for an undergraduate student. Mckenzie was also a student-athlete on the Women's Tennis team, and a mentor in the Women in Engineering community. She went on to pursue her PhD at the University of Chicago.

Internships & research

Fermi National Accelerator Lab
Harvard Center for Astrophysics
Southern Light Solar
University of Washington at Seattle

Graduate schools

Columbia University
University of California Davis
Duke University
University of Colorado Boulder
The George Washington University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Notre Dame
University of Chicago

Career placements

Massachusetts General Hospital
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Naval Underwater Systems
Oracle
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Textron Systems

UMassD advantages

Experience: participate in internship programs to gain valuable experience with regional industries, often while also earning money for college
Community: join organizations such as the Physics Club, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Engineers Without Borders
New initiatives: collaborate, create, and explore the Center for Scientific Computing and Visualization Research
Capstone projects: students work on capstone projects, engaging with faculty members on a reseach topics

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

Expand your opportunities

MS in Physics: expand your career options with a master's degree in physics.
PhD in Engineering and Applied Science: emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of modern research at the interfaces of engineering, the applied sciences, and technology.