Overview

As a major in the Astrophysics program of the University of Minnesota you will find a challenging, yet personal, environment where you can prepare for a career in research, teaching, and other scientific areas. You will receive a rigorous foundation in astronomy and physics, while working closely with internationally respected faculty on the most important astrophysical research problems of the day. Working with faculty, you’ll make use of the excellent observational, laboratory, and computational facilities in the department as well as national and international observatories.

The BA in Astrophysics

The College of Liberal Arts offers a bachelor of arts (BA) in Astrophysics; it’s administered through the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics in the College of Science and Engineering, which also offers a bachelor of science (BS). This may be confusing, so here we explain the similarities and differences between the two options.

The BA and BS are equally challenging. The major courses are the same for both degrees and students from both take their classes together. The pre-requisite courses to enter the major are the same.

Admissions to the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science & Engineering are different; you might get into one college but not the other.

The structure of the degrees are slightly different. The BA has more flexibility if you want to pursue multiple interests, allowing space in your degree plan for breadth and depth; the BS degree program offers opportunities to take additional astrophysics and technical courses.

The BA degree requires proficiency in a second language.

Consider your own interests and career goals and consult with an advisor when deciding whether to apply to the College of Liberal Arts (for the BA) or College of Science & Engineering (for the BS). Both degrees will prepare you well for your future.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Astrophysics

Quantum Physics

Mathematical Methods for Physicists

The Interstellar Medium

Methods of Experimental Astrophysics

Electrodynamics and Waves

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

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TOEFL^® IBT

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Duolingo English Test

105

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Physics Astronomy & Space Sciences View 234 other Bachelors in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Minnesota and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed Application for Admission

$55 U.S. nonrefundable application fee

High school (9th-12th grade) courses and grades (Required)

English proficiency test scores (Required)

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

37640 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 37640 USD per year during 48 months.
National

36568 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 36568 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

16654 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 16654 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for Minneapolis

1130 - 2045 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Astrophysics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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