BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
SPACE PHYSICS
Embry-Riddle Adds Space-focused Physics Degree
Eyes on the future
 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).
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.
DEGREE CURRICULUM
Space Physics Program -- Bachelor of Science in Space Physics
The Space Physics 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
two areas of concentration: Astrophysics and Particle Physics & Cosmology, with two more areas of concentration (Remote Sensing and
Exotic Propulsion systems) planned for the future. Physics is the study
of forces, space, and time at its 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.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To enter this program, students must have completed four years of high
school science and mathematics, demonstrating a high level of competency.
Successful candidates for this program will be prepared to enter Calculus
I and General Chemistry.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics is a 120-credit hour program.
The degree can be completed in eight semesters. The courses necessary
to earn this degree are listed below. Students should be aware that
several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or
corequisites. Check the course descriptions in the current catalog before
registering for classes to assure that these requirements are met.
Degree Requirements
FRESHMAN YEAR
Course Title
Credits
Communication Theory and Skills* 6
Lower-level Humanities* 3
Lower-level Social Science* 3
MA241 Calculus I 4
PS150 Physics I 3
PS216 Physics I Lab 1
CS223 Scientific Programming in C 3
MA242 Calculus II 4
PS160 Physics II 3
PS2xx Physics II Lab 1
Total Credits 31
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Course Title Credits
Communication Theory and Skills* 3
Open Electives* 6
PS250 Physics III 3
PS220 Physics III Lab 1
MA243 Calculus III 4
PS105 General Chemistry I 4
PS303 Modern Physics 3
PS305 Modern Physics Lab 1
MA345 Differential Equations & Matrix Methods 4
Total Credits 29
JUNIOR YEAR
Course Title
Credits
Technical Elective* 3
Open Electives* 6
EP440 Engineering Electricity and Magnetism 3
EP455 Quantum Physics 3
MA441 Adv. Engineering Math I 3
MA442 Adv. Engineering Math II 3
PS320 Classical Mechanics 3
PS401 Astrophysics I 3
PS408 Astrophysics II**
Total Credits 30
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SENIOR YEAR
Course
Title
Credits
Technical Elective* 9
SS Upper-Level Social Sciences* 3
HU Upper-Level Humanities Elective 3
EP420 Planetary Science 3
PS405 Atomic/Nuclear Physics 3
PS400 Senior Physics Lab I 3
EP400 Thermodynamics &
Statistical Mechanics 3
PS410 Senior physics Lab II (IIa or IIb)** 3
Total Credits 30
*Embry-Riddle courses in the general education
categories Communication Theory and Skills, Humanities, and Social
Sciences may be chosen from those listed below, assuming prerequisite
requirements are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable
if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level
specified above in the Space Physics vertical outline.
Communication Theory and Skills:
COM: 122, 219, 221, 222, 351, 360
Humanities:
Lower-Level: HU 140, 141, 143
Upper-Level: HU 300-400 level
Social Sciences:
Lower-Level: EC200,
PSY 220,
SS 110, 120, 130, 204, 210,
Upper-Level HU 300, PSY350,
SS 302, 305, 310, 320, 325, 331,
335, 340, 350, 352, 360
Technical Electives:
EP410
Any upper-division PS courses
including PS 301, 308, 399, 499
MA 412, 432, 443, 60
Students may take other HU/SS, CS and EE courses with the approval
of the department chair/program coordinator.
**The above vertical outline is for the Astrophysics
option. Students wishing to take the Particle
Physics & Cosmology option should substitute
PS412 (Particle Physics & Cosmology) for
the PS408 (Astrophysics II) course and substitute
PS414 (Senior Physics Lab IIb) for PS410 (Senior
Physics Lab IIa).
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OTHER LINKS
Master of Space Science
Engineering Physics Bachelor of Science
McNair Space Physics Scholars
NASA's Space Physics Data Facility
Space Physics Resources
Space Physics - Space Science Data
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.
Professor/Program Chair
Office Location: Building 35, Office #6
Phone: (928) 777 - 6663
E-mail: 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.
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