Why study Physics (Astrophysics Concentration)?

Astrophysics is the study of the structure and evolution of the universe, from the smallest scales measurable to the limits of detectability. It encompasses such diverse areas as the formation and evolution of stars and planetary systems, to the chemical evolution of galaxies, to the deep connections between the quantum nature of matter and the large-scale structure of the cosmos.

Admission Requirements

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the minor to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the minor using our online form.

 

In addition, you must meet with the program director so that the department is aware that you are pursuing the minor and can advise you appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining your minor.

The successful student in astrophysics will need to have strong math and writing skills, imagination, the ability to engage in analytic thinking and problem-solving, as well as a keen interest in understanding how the universe works.

The study of astrophysics provides excellent training in quantitative and analytical approaches to solving problems. Astrophysics graduates are highly sought for graduate and professional programs in engineering, computer science, law, economics, medicine, business and teaching. The emphasis on modeling and problem-solving, along with the rigorous mathematical background needed for the major, means graduates of this major pursue many different careers.

Students have an edge in careers such as:

  • Physician
  • Professor/teacher
  • Planetarium operator
  • Researcher
  • Telescope operator
  • Museum curator

Additional careers are possible in space industry, science writing, patent industry, programming, military and biomedical industry.

Contact the program director, whose name and information appear at the top of this screen.

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

The UC faculty consists of researchers in observational astrophysics, theoretical particle astrophysics and general relativity, and experimental particle physics closely related to astrophysics. The observational astrophysics group has regular access to world-class telescope facilities, such as 3-to-8 meter telescopes in Hawaii and Chile, the Hubble space telescope and the Spitzer space telescope. Undergraduate students are encouraged to work with faculty on research projects with the potential to lead to published papers.

If you have declared the minor, then it will appear on your application for graduation. Apply for graduation as you normally would for your bachelor’s degree.

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Margaret Hanson
400 Geol/Phys
PO Box 210011
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0011
513-556-0501
physics.dept@uc.edu

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Program Code: 15MIN-APHY-MIN