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Astrophysics Degree
Bachelor of Science in Physics (B.S.PHY.)
Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120
Explore the mechanics of the farthest reaches of space and explore the beginnings
— and possible endings — of the universe as we know it.
The University of North Texas' undergraduate program in physics gives you the strong
math, problem solving and analytical skills needed to study the structure and interaction
of matter and energy and the way things work. From advancing state-of-the-art processes
in the semiconductor industry to developing computer software for simulating exotic
phenomena, physicists are helping to expand the frontiers of both basic science and
advanced technology. The diversity of work conducted by physicists occurs because
physical science and engineering disciplines are based, to a large extent, on physics
principles. A bachelor's degree in physics also prepares students for graduate work
in acoustics, astrophysics, biophysics, computational physics, medical physics and
other subfields and interdisciplinary fields in physics.
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Request More InfoWhy Earn an Astrophysics Degree?
UNT's Bachelor of Science in Physics with a concentration in astrophysics provides you the flexibility to pursue a physics degree with an emphasis in astronomy study.
This concentration emphasizes the understanding of universe and space through related coursework and research in astrophysics. While you explore your interest in astronomy, the courses help hone your analytical, math and communication skills for careers working with students, clients and co-workers with backgrounds in other fields.
Marketable Skills
- Solve open-ended problems
- Apply structured scientific methods
- Analyze data for complex problems
- Communicate complex information effectively
- Work independently to meet deadlines
Astrophysics Degree Highlights
UNT's experienced Physics faculty are actively involved in path-finding research.
Our undergraduate physics students often participate in pathfinding research projects.
Because of this research activity, undergraduates are often involved in groundbreaking
projects conducted in our state-of-the-art facilities.
The low student-to-faculty ratio in upper-level courses allows you to receive personal
attention from faculty members and to interact closely with your peers.
You can meet others who share your interest in physics through the Society of Physics
Students. The organization conducts field trips and invites guest speakers to meetings.
The department’s weekly Physics Colloquium presents research overviews and descriptions
of work by leading professionals in the field.
UNT Physics students have a wide range of available physics jobs while studying for
their undergraduate degree.
Career Outlook
Physicists use math, problem solving experience, analytical skills and their imaginations to study the structure and interaction of matter and energy — the way things work. This information is important in:
- Energy research such as the development of superbatteries and solar cells
- Medical diagnostics and therapy
- Science-enabled education, law practice, technology business and journalism
- Semiconductor and photonics technology
- Space and atmospheric sciences
Graduates are employed in various research and management careers in business, education, the armed forces, the government, national laboratories and NASA. For example, you may work for a company that develops new electronic devices, teach high school physics or work for a research laboratory furthering the exploration and use of space.
Astrophysics Degree Courses You Could Take
Stars and the Universe (3 hrs)
Properties of stars and stellar systems and a study of the origin, evolution and future
of the universe. Includes weekly outdoor and indoor laboratory exercises.
Observational Astronomy (3 hrs)
Optical astronomy; telescopes; modern detectors; photometry; spectroscopy; interferometry;
data analysis; time-series analysis; multi-wavelength astronomy; multi-messenger astrophysics.
Introduction to Modern Astrophysics (3 hrs)
Celestial mechanics; interaction between light and matter; the energy source of the
sun; stellar evolution and black holes; galaxies and cosmology.
Galaxies and Cosmology (3 hrs)
Current standard model of the universe; basics of general relativity; formation, evolution
and properties of galaxies; supermassive black holes and their roles in galaxy evolution.
Physical Optics (3 hrs)
Huygens’ principle and application to geometrical optics; interference phenomena;
Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction; polarization; electromagnetic theory of light
and interaction with matter. Part of the instruction will be in a laboratory setting.
Modern Classical Dynamics (3 hrs)
Introduction to nonlinear dynamical systems; onset of chaos, phase space portraits,
universality of chaos, strange attractors, experimental verification, fluid dynamics
and the KAM theorem.
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