BS Astrophysics at Purdue University

Programme overview

The major covers star formation, galaxy evolution and black holes. Students study physics including quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, analyse data from ground and space observatories, run simulations and lead research projects.

Faculty: College of Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: West Lafayette, IN, United States

What you will study

Physics, coding, data analysis and simulations, with hands-on projects available from the first year.

Career pathways

Aerospace engineer, data scientist, instrument specialist, observational research assistant, research scientist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to the university/college (not specific to this major). Minimum high school coursework: Math – 4 years; English – 4 years; Lab science – 3 years; Social studies – 3 years; World language – 2 years.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year entry terms: Fall (Early Action and Regular Decision) and Spring (check the Closed Programs page, as some majors do not start in spring). Transfer entry terms: Spring, Summer and Fall.

First-year application opens Aug. 1 and closes Jan. 15 (Regular Decision). Early Action deadline is Nov. 1 (also the merit scholarship and John Martinson Honors College deadline, and the priority deadline for engineering, computer science, flight, nursing and veterinary technology). Early Action decisions release Jan. 15; Regular Decision decisions by March 31. The nonrefundable application fee is $60. Apply using the Common App.

Transfer applications: spring term opens Sept. 1 and closes Nov. 1; summer and fall applications open Jan. 15; summer deadline April 1; fall deadline June 1 for most majors (priority deadline for engineering March 31; veterinary technology March 1, fall only). The nonrefundable application fee is $60. Applicants use the Purdue transfer application.

Purdue accepts SAT, ACT and CLT scores, with no preference among them; scores are evaluated if provided and must be from within the past five years.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.purdue.edu/apply/

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