Astrophysics Major
Explore how the universe works and how it began.
If you're interested in exploring how the universe works and how it began, astrophysics is for you! You might even find yourself searching for life on other planets or in far-away galaxies. You'll learn analysis and reasoning. You'll develop programming and communication skills. You'll have an essential foundation for any career or graduate school program.
Why study astrophysics at the College of Charleston?
The College of Charleston is the only university in South Carolina with an undergraduate degree in astrophysics. In this program, you'll complete at least one capstone research project. Take advantage of the many internships, research opportunities, and part-time lab jobs. Explore the on-campus observatory. Connect with the College's shared network of telescopes across the globe.
What will I learn?
Astrophysics combines the study of astronomy, physics, and math to discover how the universe works. You'll gain essential research skills. You will develop the ability to conduct research and share your results. Learn about black holes, gamma-ray bursts, and more.
View Curriculum: Astrophysics
Program Highlights
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Hands-On Learning
Gain hands-on experience using the department’s facilities: our on-campus observatory and labs.
Use the network of telescopes in various sites around the world and in space. Not only will you have access to these resources, but you may collaborate with diverse teams across the globe.
Take part in research with faculty. You can present your results at local, regional, national, and even international conferences.
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Research Opportunities
Many of our students take part in internships. Our department frequently offers part-time jobs. You may become a lab assistant during the academic year. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has a very broad summer program of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in many fields. You'll conduct research at major research institutions all over the country and in many disciplines.
Careers & Outcomes
Our graduates are divided between two options: finding a job after graduation or continuing your education in graduate or professional school. We prepare you academically and help you with the details of pursuing your goals. You may enter the job market, pursue a graduate degree in physics, or a related field, get into medical school or other professional schools.
You can enter careers in diverse fields such as:
- applied physics.
- astronomy.
- atmospheric physics.
- computer science.
- education.
- electrical engineering.
- engineering physics.
- environmental science.
- medical physics.
- nuclear engineering
- optics.