Program Information | Degree Requirements | Career Outlook

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN

SPACE PHYSICS

Embry-Riddle Adds Space-focused Physics Degree

Eyes on the future

Embry-Riddle's Space Physics degree program teaches students about the challenges of space travel and exploration and prepares them for a future in space technology. It's inevitable... Space colonization or the need for humans to spend longer periods of time in space calls for more scientists to solve the problems associated with prolonged space missions.

With the introduction of the space physics program at our Prescott, Arizona campus, Embry-Riddle hopes to produce some of these researchers and problem solvers. The program's combination of laboratory skills and fundamental scientific knowledge will prepare students to make discoveries that will promote the exploration of space and add to the body of knowledge in science. Because of the strong emphasis on experimental physics, the student will be well-suited to enter a variety of fields in industry as well as graduate programs.

The space physics program requires 120 credit hours and culminates in a bachelor of science degree in space physics. Students will choose from four areas of concentration (AOCs).
The first two listed are developed now:

Astrophysics
Particle Physics and Cosmology

The following AOCs are planned for the future:

Remote Sensing
Advanced Propulsion Systems

Outlook Great

In addition to employment in research and the space program, graduates with space physics degrees will pursue diverse careers in any field that has physics in the title, such as medical physics, biophysics, plasma physics, and other areas that utilize physicists, such as the military and security sectors.

Frequent questions

What skills should I have if I choose to major in Space Physics?

1. You should have good to excellent math skills and be prepared to take Calculus I and calculus-based Physics the first semester.
2. You should have already taken a physics course in high school.
3. If you've taken the AP Calculus and/or Physics exam and received a 4 or 5, you can receive credit for the first semester of Calculus and/or Physics.

What kind of courses are included in the Space Physics curriculum?

1. This is a bachelor of science degree in space physics, so you can expect many of the same courses as in other physics programs, such as Classical Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Statistical and Thermal Dynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic & Nuclear Physics. Furthermore, there will be courses focused on space such as, Astrophysics I and II, Particle Physics and Cosmology, Advanced Propulsion Systems, and Remote Sensing to name a few.
2. The core curriculum for the first two years is almost the same for both physics and engineering students. Physics students must take a physics lab every semester for the first four semesters while the engineering students are only required to take one physics lab.
3. In the third year, all physics students will take an optics lab, and in their fourth year, they will take a senior lab correlated to their area of concentration (see above).

Back to the top

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Our Program Will Prepare You for Careers in Space Industry, Leading Physics Laboratories, Research

The Space Physics degree program is administered by the College of Arts and Sciences. The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics, is an applied physics program designed to prepare graduates to work in space- and aerospace-related industries. Students will explore the fundamental forces of nature through experimental investigation of atomic, nuclear, and elementary particle systems. They will study the “micro” and “macro” universe through the use of high-precision detectors.

The Space Physics program currently has four areas of concentration: Astrophysics, Particle Physics, Cosmology, Remote Sensing and Exotic Propulsion Systems. Physics is the study of forces, space, and time at their most basic level and provides the foundation for all physical sciences. The combination of laboratory skills and fundamental scientific knowledge will prepare students to make discoveries that will promote the exploration of space and add to the body of knowledge in science. Because of the strong emphasis on experimental physics, the student will be well situated to enter a variety of fields including graduate programs.

Back to the top

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics is an applied physics program designed to prepare students for graduate studies in physics and astrophysics, as well as for work in space, and aerospace-related industries. Physics is the study of the forces of nature, space and time at the most fundamental level, and provides the foundation on which all physical sciences rest. Students will study the structure of the universe on all scales from the smallest (elementary particles) to the largest (cosmology) and will gain hands-on experience with research-quality equipment and modern sensing techniques.

REQUIREMENTS

Download complete requirements for this program in pdf format.

In their senior year, students will pursue an area of concentration (AOC) in which to specialize. The areas of concentration are Astrophysics, Particle Physics & Cosmology, Remote Sensing, and Exotic Propulsion. Students are required to complete a senior thesis on a research topic in their area of concentration and are encouraged to engage in directed research with faculty members throughout the duration of the program

CAREER OUTLOOK

Space Physics Program Gives Solid Physics Background; Physicists in Demand

The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics is an applied physics program designed to prepare graduates to work in space- and aerospace-related industries.

In addition to employment in research and the space program, graduates with physics degrees will pursue diverse careers in any field that has physics in the title, such as medical physics, biophysics, plasma physics, and other areas that utilize physicists such as the military and security sectors.

Darrel W. Smith

Professor/Program Chair

Office Location: Building 74, Office #
Phone: (928) 777 - 6663
E-mail: Darrel.Smith@erau.edu

The Embry-Riddle Advantage: The Career Services Office

One of the most valuable benefits of being a student or alumnus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is access to the resources of the Career Services Office.

The Career Services Office provides career development assistance to all students and alumni of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, regardless of campus affiliation. The Daytona Beach office serves Daytona Beach, Worldwide Campus, and Worldwide Online students. Prescott campus students are served by the Prescott office.

The Career Services Web site offers students and alumni:

A virtual library of job search aids including interview tips
An alumni network which enables students to contact alumni throughout the United States and abroad to learn more about their careers and employers.
Sample résumés and cover letters
Company profiles and employment hotlines
Cooperative education opportunities
Current job listings; and
A Web-based résumé referral service

A career fair is hosted at the Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses each fall. Throughout each year, dozens of companies visit the campuses to recruit students and to provide information about their industry. On-campus interviews are also scheduled year-round.

The Career Services Office employs a staff of program managers to provide one-on-one career advisement, mock interviews, and résumé critique services. The Career Services Office encourages students to make contact early in their Embry-Riddle educations to explore career options and develop a successful job search strategy.

More From the Career Services Office

Career Advisement
Several degree-specific program managers are available for assistance with career choice/change, exploration of career opportunities, and development of job search techniques.

Career Resource Center
The Career Resource Center is a library of information that includes addresses and information on potential employers, as well as information on hiring trends, salaries, and other career references. The Career Resource Center is continuously updated and expanded to meet student needs. The Career Services Web site also serves as a virtual resource center with links to job listings, salary information, sample résumés, interview preparation, and company Web sites.

EagleHire Network
The EagleHire Network allows students and alumni to submit résumés directly to employers seeking full-time and co-op/internship candidates. EagleHire is a free service and is available to all students and alumni of the University.

Cooperative Education/Internship Program
Cooperative education positions provide an opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience while earning college credit, learn about their chosen field, and establish contacts in the industry. Co-ops and internships are opportunities to earn college credit while gaining career-related work experience for undergraduate and graduate students.