Astrophysics, Minor
Build spaceflight hardware, make observations, discover planets and engineer new instruments for telescopes and satellites. This astrophysics minor puts you to work right beside students and faculty doing exactly that kind of hands-on science.
Quick facts
Locations
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Astrophysics minor description
If you are interested in developing a background in the theoretical modeling and observational techniques of galactic and stellar astronomy, extragalactic astronomy and cosmology, the astrophysics minor program is designed for you.
When you complete the minor, you'll be able to think critically about scientific problems by reducing complex problems to their most important attributes and then designing experiments, observations and theoretical models that address those attributes.
If you are pursuing an astrophysics minor, you are expected to have a strong background in physics and mathematics.
Why earn an astrophysics minor at ASU?
Offered by SESE, where astrophysicists, planetary scientists and engineers work side by side and faculty lead NASA and NSF missions, this minor gives technical students authentic, research-relevant training in the physics of the universe.
Additional details
As a SESE undergraduate, you are based largely in ISTB4 on ASU's Tempe campus, home to research labs, a meteorite collection, and the Marston Exploration Theater, a state-of-the-art 3D theater and planetarium.
Beyond coursework, you can join clubs and student chapters, work in faculty research labs, attend the SESE colloquium and public astronomy nights, and take part in field trips across the Southwest.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 20 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
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The minor in astrophysics consists of a minimum of 20 credit hours, of which at least 12 credit hours must be upper division. Students complete 12 credit hours of required coursework and select one of three eight-credit hour options to complete the minor. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be taken from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy minor requirements. |
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AST 321 Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
AST 322 Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
AST 421 Astrophysics I
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
AST 422 Astrophysics II
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
8 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 8 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
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Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BS in earth and space exploration (astrophysics); other concentrations of the BS in earth and space exploration are compatible with the astrophysics minor as long as option 2 or option 3 of the minor is pursued.
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this astrophysics minor prepares you for
Minor programs enable students to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors.
The astrophysics minor supplements other technical degrees. Graduates have learned advanced problem-solving techniques and skills used in modern astrophysics research, which are applicable to a wide variety of engineering and science careers.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Earth and Space Exploration
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ISTB4 795
sese-advising@asu.edu
480-965-5081
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
