BS in Physics+ Astronomy & Astrophysics

Pursuing this program at Iowa State University (a four‑year, on‑campus program) offers a truly immersive experience grounded in ISU’s ethos of “Learn by Doing.” You'll gain hands‑on skills across observation, instrumentation, data science, and faculty‑mentored research from your very first year.

Experiential Learning Highlights:

From active research to computing and observational tools, here’s how you’ll develop real-world expertise:

• Faculty‑Mentored Undergraduate Research
  ISU’s Physics & Astronomy Department is research-intensive, with active groups in astrophysics—including stellar astronomy, exoplanets, interstellar medium studies, and particle astrophysics like gamma-ray and neutrino work. Undergraduates are encouraged to reach out to faculty directly and join ongoing projects early in their studies.

• Financial Support for Research Involvement
  The department offers scholarships specifically to support undergraduate research involvement, such as the David Collins Memorial Scholarship and Bernice Black Durand Undergraduate Research Scholarship, which enable students to work on faculty-led projects for pay.

• Independent Research Opportunities & Senior Capstone
  Students can undertake independent or group research, often earning credit and building towards a senior thesis or presentation at university symposia. ISU supports these through its UROP scheme and other local funding awards.

• Access to Ames National Laboratory
  Located on campus, this DOE‑operated lab offers cutting-edge research opportunities in space instrumentation, materials science, and technologies relevant to astrophysics and aerospace. 

• Space Systems & Controls Lab (SSCL)
  While part of aerospace engineering, the SSCL welcomes physics and astronomy students into its projects on spacecraft systems, instrumentation, and testing—offering hands-on project-based learning in a multidisciplinary environment.

• Robust Computing and Library Resources
  Marston Science Library provides astronomy research guides, access to databases like NASA ADS, and visualization tools for data exploration. This supports both coursework and independent research. 

• Department-Supported Advising & Community Networks
  The department promotes active involvement through Physics and Astronomy Club (PAC), and the broader LAS Dean’s Awards and research showcase programs enable students to present work and engage with peer researchers. 

These experiential learning pathways prepare you to:

• Engage in observation, simulation, and data analysis in real research settings.

• Build technical expertise in astrophysical computation, instrumentation design, and scientific software.

• Pursue presentations or authorship alongside faculty mentors.

• Access funding and support to continue research projects throughout your undergraduate years.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
This program offers a flexible yet rigorous path for students interested in space science, education, data analysis, or science communication. Graduates often pursue careers as planetarium educators, science journalists, technical analysts, and research assistants in astronomy labs. The program is ideal for students seeking a broad foundation in astronomy with the option to combine it with fields like education, journalism, or computer science.

• Career Services Support: Iowa State’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Career Services helps students craft tailored job search strategies, connect with alumni in STEM fields, and access internships through CyHire, the university’s job platform.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Approximately 95% of ISU graduates find employment or continue their education within six months. Graduates entering technical, education, or data-related roles typically earn starting salaries between $55,000 and $75,000, depending on the path chosen.

• University–Industry Partnerships: Iowa State maintains active research ties with NASA, NSF, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, providing undergraduates with research opportunities in observational and theoretical astronomy. Students also engage with programs like REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) during their studies.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: Iowa State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is recognized nationally as a Tier 1 research university, adding long-term value and flexibility to the degree.

• Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have entered fields such as science teaching, planetarium operations, data visualization, and public science outreach—or continued on to graduate study in astronomy, astrophysics, or education.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics. The program also serves as a strong launchpad for interdisciplinary graduate studies in Science Communication, Computational Modeling, or STEM Education—especially for students interested in blending science with outreach or teaching.