Space Physics

Overview

Space Physics majors work under the direction of research-active physicists who share their passion for understanding the universe. The Space Physics program at ERAU engages students in the scientific side of space exploration through studies of the Earth-Sun environment, atmospheric sciences, aurorae, planetary sciences, laboratory plasma physics, and exoplanets.

A Space Physics program from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University provides a strong experimental physics background, so graduates emerge from the program ready to work in basic or applied research or within the rapidly expanding commercial space industry. Graduates of the program are also well-prepared for careers in medical physics, biophysics, plasma physics, and in the military and security sectors.

Even as an undergraduate, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of faculty-sponsored research projects, most of which are supported by grants from NASA, the National Science Foundation, and other funding agencies.

Students at ERAU can join a number of campus organizations and clubs to begin professional networking and fully immerse themselves in the field. Examples of these include the student chapter of the Mars Society, Society of Physics Students, and Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honors society.

About Space Physics at the Daytona Beach

Part of the Department of Physical Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, the B.S. in Space Physics degree program emphasizes the physics of the solar-terrestrial and distant-space environments. 

Students learn how to study the magnetic and electric phenomena that occur in outer space, in the upper atmosphere of planets, and on the sun. In the field, space physicists use ground-based instruments, balloons, rockets, satellites, and deep space probes to study these phenomena.

This program is designed to produce graduates who want to pursue careers in space-related professions or who want to pursue advanced studies in diverse areas of science and engineering.

About Space Physics at the Prescott

The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics degree program lets students explore the fundamental forces in nature through investigating atomic, nuclear and elementary particle systems. This applied physics program is designed to produce graduates prepared for space and aerospace-related careers. Working with a dedicated faculty with state-of-the art labs and equipment, students graduate prepared to promote the exploration of space and add to the body of knowledge in science. 

Because of the strong emphasis on experimental physics, graduates are well-suited to enter a variety of fields in industry and graduate programs. In addition to employment in research and the space program, graduates with physics degrees will pursue diverse space physics careers in fields such as medical physics, biophysics, plasma physics and other areas that utilize physicists, such as the military and security sector.