Astrophysics Degree

The astrophysics degree program at University of California – Santa Cruz prepares students for the study of theoretical and observational structures, properties, and behaviors of stars, star systems and clusters, the life cycles of stars, and other related phenomena that occur in space. Students who graduate the astrophysics degree program will have gained knowledge in courses such as cosmology, plasma kinetics, stellar physics, galactic structure theory, convolution and non-equilibrium radiation transfer theory, non-Euclidean geometrics, and relativistic astronomy. Get more details below including other California colleges that offer astrophysics degrees.

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University of California – Santa Cruz

Also known as UCSB UC Santa Barbara

5221 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, CA

About
The University of California - Santa Cruz, located in Santa Cruz, California, was founded in 1965, though plans for the school date as early as 1930. The school is a member of the University of California System, one of the largest college systems in the United States. The campus was placed in Santa Cruz over competing San Jose due to the locations beauty, but the remote nature of the location required the construction of residential housing by the school. The school was designed to offer a small liberal arts college feel with the resources of a full research institution.

Campus
The northern part of the campus has remained undeveloped and forested, allowing for hiking trails and is used as a residential area for recreational vehicles. The school is bordered by the Santa Cruz Mountains, Harvey West Park, and the Pogonip Open Space Preserve. The campus is connected by footbridges allowing for quick travel and his home to student built shrines made from detritus from the woods. Several natural points of interest exist throughout the campus, including the Porter Caves. The school's proximity to nature and open minded atmosphere provide a unique atmosphere for learning.

Academics
University of California - Santa Cruz offers a large number of majors, allowing students to choose the program of study that best suits their future academic and professional goals. Students will take courses related to their major as well as general education requirements, some may choose to take elective courses outside of their area of study or pursue a minor degree which provide additional educational opportunities outside their major. Graduate programs are also available, having separate requirements for admission including an undergraduate degree.

Programs offered include:

• Anthropology
• Biology
• Economics
• History
• Sociology

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment at UC Santa Cruz may qualify for admission by meeting one of three requirements. The first is earning a GPA of 3.0 (3.4 for out of state applicants), the second is being in the top 9% of one's graduating class, and the third is having earned extremely high standardized test scores. Students must submit a completed application for admission, along with essay, transcripts and test scores which will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Once a decision is rendered, the student will be notified and provided the necessary for beginning their college experience. Graduate students must have an undergraduate degree and most programs require a high GRE score to be considered for admission. California residents are given enrollment priority.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. Students in need of financial assistance must obtain a federal PIN and submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the resulting student aid report (SAR) from which will be used to determine financial need, program eligibility and monetary awards. Financial aid must be reapplied for at the start of each academic year, and may be asked to provide additional financial documentation to verify the accuracy of the SAR prior to the disbursement of funds.

Athletics
The UCSC Banana Slugs participate in intercollegiate athletics through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. Intercollegiate athletics provide students with the opportunity to participate in healthy competition with rival schools on a controlled environment, learning skills and habits that are useful in one's person, academic and professional life. These include teamwork, discipline, and good health habits. Students will also experience the camaraderie associated with experiencing the shared successes and failures with their teammates. Students are encouraged to participate in tryouts, which take place throughout the year for varying sports. Dates, times and forms may be obtained through the athletic department.

Athletic programs offered:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Swimming
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track
• Volleyball

Students Enrolled in the Astrophysics Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. University of California – Santa Cruz offers a bachelor's degree program in astrophysics.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, natural sciences managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 3.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
  • Total Employment: 50
  • Average Hourly Rate: $69.49
  • Average Annual Salary: $144530

Astronomers

Description

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, astronomers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.8% from 2014 to 2024

Physicists

Description

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, physicists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.9% from 2014 to 2024

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).