Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics - STEM Designated
Chicago, USA
DURATION
126 Hours
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
The astrophysics program at Illinois Tech is physics-intensive, and therefore provides a deep understanding of the fundamental physical laws underpinning all of astrophysics. The program covers planetary, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astrophysics as well as cosmology and observational astrophysics. Hone optical observing techniques on a department-operated 130-mm Takahashi telescope.
The close-knit department offers many opportunities to get involved in research. Academically, our bachelor's degrees in astrophysics and physics are designed to allow most students to obtain dual degrees in both fields in four years. The dual-degree option is distinctively advantageous, providing the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to open more doors post-graduation than either an astrophysics or physics degree alone. Graduates have gone on to graduate school in both astrophysics and physics. The physics-intensive nature of the astrophysics degree also offers exceptional preparation for employment in the private or public sectors immediately upon graduation.
Program Overview
Illinois Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics can be easily coupled with physics for a dual degree. This hands-on astrophysics program is enhanced by access to a 130-mm telescope and provides excellent preparation for graduate study in either physics or astrophysics.
Why Illinois Tech is one of the best value universities in the country
As an Illinois Tech student, you’ll automatically be considered for our university’s generous institutional scholarships. On average, this adds up to a savings of $107,472 on tuition and housing for every student during your four years at Illinois Tech ($134,340 for five years, based on fall 2021 figures).
We’re committed to dramatically reducing the cost of your degree, so you can focus on learning at one of the most dynamic and innovation-driven universities in the country.
Want some more great reasons?
- On top of our institutional scholarship, on average, Illinois Tech awards our students an additional $34,412 each in need-based tuition aid over four years ($43,015 for five years). (among FAFSA filers, fall 2021)
- We’re the #44 Best Value School in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
- 98% of our students receive some form of financial aid
- The mean starting salary of our undergraduates is $63,938
Facilities
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Required Courses
Physics Requirements ---- ---- (40)
- PHYS 100 ---- ---- Introduction to the Profession ---- ---- 2
- PHYS 123 ---- ---- General Physics I: Mechanics ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 221 ---- ---- General Physics II: Elect&Magntism ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 223 ---- ---- General Physics III ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 240 ---- ---- Computational Science ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 301 ---- ---- Math Methods of Physics ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 304 ---- ---- Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 308 ---- ---- Classical Mechanics I ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 309 ---- ---- Classical Mechanics II ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 405 ---- ---- Fndmntls of Quantum Theory I ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 413 ---- ---- Electromagnetism I ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 427 ---- ---- Advanced Physics Lab I ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 485 ---- ---- Physics Colloquium ---- ---- 1
- PHYS 485 ---- ---- Physics Colloquium ---- ---- 1
Astronomy Requirements (16)
- PHYS 360 ---- ---- Introduction to Astrophysics ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 361 ---- ---- Observational Astrophysics ---- ---- 4
- PHYS 403 ---- ---- Relativity ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 460 ---- ---- Stellar Astrophysics ---- ---- 3
- PHYS 461 ---- ---- Extragalactic Astrophysics ---- ---- 3
Technical Elective Requirement (3)
Select 3 credit hours1 ---- ---- 3
Mathematics Requirements ---- ---- (18)
- MATH 151 ---- ---- Calculus I ---- ---- 5
- MATH 152 ---- ---- Calculus II ---- ---- 5
- MATH 251 ---- ---- Multivariate & Vector Calculus ---- ---- 4
- MATH 252 ---- ---- Introduction to Differential Equations ---- ---- 4
Chemistry Requirements (8)
- CHEM 124 ---- ---- Principle of Chemistry I with Lab ---- ---- 4
- CHEM 125 ---- ---- Principle of Chemistry II with/Lab ---- ---- 4
Computer Science Requirement ---- ---- (2)
- CS 105 ---- ---- Introduction to Computer Programming ---- ---- 2
Humanities and Social Science Requirements ---- ---- (21)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, sections B and C ---- ---- 21
Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) ---- ---- (6)
See Illinois Tech Core Curriculum, section E ---- ---- 6
Free Electives ---- ---- (12)
Select 12 credit hours ---- ---- 12
Total Credit Hours ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 126
1 A technical elective is:
- Any Physics course at or above the 300-level
OR
- Any College of Science or College of Engineering course at or above the 300-level, chosen with the approval of the student's advisor
Career Opportunities
Prepare for careers in government or at universities or jobs in the public or private sectors, as well as in education with a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics. Further study at the graduate level will develop skills to work as researchers at large national facilities or in academia. Careers pathways include:
- Researcher
- Data Analyst
- Teacher
- Astrophysicist
- Physicist