Bachelor’s-to-Master’s in Astrophysics & Space Physics

(BA in Astronomy & Physics to MA in Astronomy)

Bachelor’s-to-master’s programs are linked bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in which the two degrees are conferred sequentially. The Bachelor’s-to-Master’s program in Astrophysics & Space Physics is designed for those well-prepared students who wish to obtain a master’s degree by completing an additional year of intensive study in astrophysics and space physics.

Students in this bachelor’s-to-master’s program must complete all bachelor’s degree requirements before enrolling as master’s students, although they may take graduate courses while enrolled as undergraduates. Students must register for and earn a minimum of 24 units while enrolled as master’s students. Students may apply up to 8 units (500 level or above) from the undergraduate degree to the master’s degree, subject to any conditions described below. For this bachelor’s-to-master’s program, the bachelor’s degree is conferred by the College of Arts & Sciences and the master’s degree is conferred by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Students should consult with the Financial Assistance office to learn how entrance into this bachelor’s-to-master’s program might impact their financial aid.

Learning Outcomes

BA Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the principles of astronomy.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the principles of physics.
• Communicate astronomical information effectively, both in writing and verbally (or signed), and to a variety of audiences.
• Think critically and evaluate, interpret, and solve problems related to astronomical topics as well as other technical and general scientific topics.

MA Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate graduate-level knowledge of astronomy and physics, including the following topics: fundamental physics and astrophysics; gravitation, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics appropriate to astronomy; and the dynamical behavior of space and astrophysical plasmas.
• Demonstrate graduate-level knowledge of observational techniques used to study astronomical and space phenomena.
• Perform directed research within the discipline.
• Present directed research to a committee of faculty members and to a scientific audience.

Requirements

Students must complete all requirements for the BA in Astronomy & Physics and all requirements for the MA in Astronomy.

Students may apply up to 8 units in Astronomy (AS courses), taken at the 600 or 700 level while completing the BA, toward the MA.

Admission

Information about application requirements and deadlines for bachelor’s-to-master’s programs can be found at the graduate school’s Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs information website.

Only applicants with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 overall and 3.3 in mathematics, physics, and astronomy courses will ordinarily be admitted.

Additional Information

• Further details may be obtained from the Department of Astronomy’s Director of Graduate Studies.
• Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs