Why study Physics Astrophysics?

Astrophysics is the study of the structure and evolution of the universe, from the big bang to the evolution of stars and the creation of galaxies.

If you have a passion for astronomy, UC’s College of Arts and Sciences is the place for you. Planets have been named after UC professors, while UC graduates have discovered new ones. Cincinnati is the birthplace of American astronomy and its observatory is home to one of the oldest functioning telescopes.

The curriculum is similar to the physics BA and physics BS programs and includes mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics and quantum physics. In addition, you will take courses in astronomy and astrophysics and conduct research.

Career Possibilities

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.

Graduates have found careers 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.

Minoring in Physics Astrophysics

The undergraduate minor in physics (concentration in astrophysics) is designed to provide students with a sound introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. It is offered to students in any college at the University of Cincinnati.

Course Requirements (32 total credit hours):

Required Courses (22 hours):

• PHYS 2005-2006, 2005L-2006L, College Physics I & II with Labs, (10 hours)
• MATH 1061-1062, Calculus I & II, (8 hours)
• MATH 2063, Multivariable Calculus, (4 hours)

Astrophysics Core (6 hours):

• PHYS 3041, Advanced Topics in Astronomy, (3 hours)
• PHYS 4025, Introduction to Astrophysics I, (3 hours)

Astrophysics Electives (4 hours):

Additional PHYS course(s) totaling 4 or more credits. PHYS 3041 may be used in the core and repeated as an elective.

Click here to declare the minor online

Major Maps

• Guide: ASTROPHYSICS (BS) CURRICULUM

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in UC's 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.

Special Programs

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.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

For any inquiries please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the University.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to UC's College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

Accreditation