Beyond the Classroom: Astrophysics
Key Resources
Academic Advisors
Visit the NatSci Advising page for contact information and instructions for scheduling an appointment
Department Website
Visit the department website for important updates and information
Major Requirements
Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for detailed information about requirements
Designed to provide robust understanding of physics while applying it to learn about planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the universe itself. You will get lots of experience with quantitative reasoning and computing, providing you a strong footing to join the technical workforce or attend graduate school.
Skills and Competencies
- Quantitative Reasoning – Apply quantitative reasoning and computational skills to analyze and interpret astronomical data and phenomena
- Scientific Research – Integrate scientific thinking with foundational knowledge in physics and astronomy to conduct and contribute to research in astrophysics
- Technical Communication - Communicate complex scientific concepts and research findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
This Major Could Be For You If:
- You are fascinated by the universe and want to understand the fundamental principles governing celestial bodies and cosmic phenomena
- You enjoy solving complex problems using mathematics, physics, and computational techniques
- You want the flexibility to include electives in physics education, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and computation in your studies
Common Questions
Do I need to go to graduate school?
While many pursue advanced degrees, a bachelor's degree alone can lead to careers in education, data science, and technical roles due to the strong analytical and problem-solving skills gained.
Is this major very math-intensive?
Yes, the major requires a solid foundation in mathematics, including calculus, differential equations, and computational modeling, essential for analyzing astronomical data.
What makes this major unique?
The major blends coursework in physics and astronomy with research. It allows for flexible electives and studying the universe as a natural laboratory, offering unique research opportunities.
Skill Development
Building your skills takes exploration and experience. These opportunities below are options you may be interested in. These are ideas to get you started; you have the freedom to find what aligns with your goals.
Research Opportunities
- Consider faculty-directed research or off-campus summer programs
- Connect with the Undergraduate Research Office for assistance
Work-Based Learning
- Develop professional skills through on- or off- campus work or internships with the help of the Career Services Network
- Gain experience through volunteer work via the Center for Community Engaged Learning
Career Growth
- Engage with NatSci’s Career Exploration workshops and resources
Campus Involvement
- Connect with other students in clubs like the Astronomy Club or other organizations
Education Abroad Ideas
Lund University
- 12-15 weeks | Fall/Spring
- Direct Enroll
University of Oslo
- 12-15 weeks | Fall/Spring
- Exchange
To get started with Education Abroad and to explore other programs that suit your goals, check out the MSU Education Abroad website or visit the Education Abroad Advising Center.
Career Exploration
Career exploration is all about discovering the paths that align with your interests, personality, lifestyle, values and skills. Remember, your major doesn’t define your career, and the career cluster examples provided are just a starting point—not an exhaustive list. Explore widely, and keep an open mind as you shape your future!
Research & Academia
Careers
- Astronomer
- Astrophysicist
- Research Scientist
- Physics Professor
- Planetary Scientist
Key Employers
- Colleges and universities
- National observatories
- Research institutions
- Government agencies (e.g., NASA, NOAA)
- Planetariums
- Museums
Strategies
- Plan to gain related part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer experiences
- Align coursework with your areas of interest
- Maintain grades and get to know your faculty
- Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced research positions
Data Science & Technology
Careers
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Software Developer
- Computational Scientist
- Systems Engineer
Key Employers
- Technology companies
- Financial institutions
- Research laboratories
- Healthcare organizations
- Aerospace companies
- Government agencies
Strategies
- Gain experience with data analysis and machine learning through coursework and projects
- Consider taking coursework in statistics, data visualization, and computational methods
- Build a portfolio of projects to showcase your data analysis and technical skills
- Explore opportunities early in order to prepare for your career before graduation
Education & Public Outreach
Careers
- Science Teacher (Middle or High School)
- Museum Educator
- Planetarium Presenter
- Science Communicator
- Outreach Coordinator
Key Employers
- Middle and high schools
- Museums
- Planetariums
- Science centers
- Non-profit educational organizations
- Government agencies
Strategies
- Acquire appropriate certification for K-12 teaching opportunities
- Gain experience in education and outreach through volunteer work or internships with educational institutions or nonprofits
- Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written, for interacting with students, colleagues, and parents
- Explore opportunities early in order to prepare for your career
before graduation
Looking for more options?