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California Institute of Technology - Caltech

speciality: Physics & Astronomy

4.3

What Is a Physics & Astronomy Degree?

Physics & Astronomy are two sciences with a big importance in the evolution of the world. The combination of the two creates a specialization through which students practice their logical, practical skills and explore the space of possibilities around them.

While physics is based on the analysis of energy, force, movement, and other elements that study the properties and structure of matter; astronomy, the subordinated of physics, aims at studying galaxies or constellations. More specifically, it refers to the study of the universe as a whole.

As a result of the specialisation presented, students often learn to develop scientific theories and models to explain the world’s properties, initiate scientific experiments and research, solve complex mathematical equations to analyze astronomical and physical data or develop computer softwares to analyze and model data.

Benefits of a Physics & Astronomy Degree

As a student of Physics & Astronomy, the skills developed include problem-solving, data analysis using modern technologies and software, creativity, critical thinking, logical thinking, the ability to present innovative ideas writing or speaking, teamwork.

At the same time, most students completing this specialisation continue their studies with graduate work in physics. Also, they can opt for another specialisation, such as computer science, medicine, radiation, law, meteorology, oceanography, teaching physics.

It is noticed that Physics & Astronomy does not limit students to work only in the field of physics. Moreover, it offers a large field of opportunities in jobs related to this science. The employment rate is very high among the graduates of Physics & Astronomy. They remain either in universities, research academies or in various scientific institutes for research and service development.

Physics & Astronomy Degree Structure

Most students who complete a degree in Physics & Astronomy have a Bachelor’s degree in Physics. They are highly appreciated on the labour market, as they have a much wider background in natural sciences and mathematics. Most courses include Classical and Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics and Linear Algebra or Statistics. It should be mentioned that the Bachelor studies last for 3 years. A Master’s programme is enough for those looking for research jobs for manufacturing or healthcare industries. These studies have a duration of 2 years.

It is important to know that a doctorate in Physics & Astronomy allows students to work in research, in academies or in various positions of industry researcher. At the same time, to be admitted to a Doctorate in Physics & Astronomy, students need to have math and computer science courses, as physicists and astronomers develop software for modelling and analyzing data. Often, these studies may take between 5 and 6 years. For those who do not want to continue their studies with a PhD, there are computer science courses, very useful for acquiring new knowledge.

During their undergraduate studies, students have the opportunity to attend internship programmes to work with skilled people in this profession and to better understand how they can apply the theoretical knowledge they learnt. There are various national or international astronomical societies, as well as physical societies that provide students with internship programmes.

3 Student Reviews

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  • Astronomy, Space ...
    Science and Astrophysics
    Zion
    Great dorms

    At the university they have some really lovely dorms. Along with all the necessities that students require, such as study spaces, common areas, and laundry facilities, the rooms are roomy and cosy. Students can easily access their classrooms and other university events thanks to the dorms’ handy location on campus.

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    Programme: Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2026
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Pasadena, California
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  • Applied Physics
    Sophia
    Amazing learning environment

    This school is without a doubt the best in the world. You get a fantastic education. I adore the setting. The staff is very welcoming and eager to assist you in any way they can. In order to guarantee their students’ success in their respective fields of study, they offer a wide range of resources to them. The understudies are amicable and inviting also. Anyone who is interested in furthering their education should seriously consider attending this school.

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    Programme: Applied Physics
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2025
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Pasadena, California
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  • Applied Physics
    avatar
    Positive Atmosphere

    My love for Caltech is unwavering. I made a ton of friends, and when I say that you will meet great people at Caltech, I mean it. The professors are all incredibly kind and understanding, and they all genuinely care about the students. I am overjoyed that I went with this magnificent Institution.

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    Programme: Applied Physics
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2024
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Pasadena, California
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