BS in Astrophysics

If you’re excited about exploring the universe and want to gain real, hands-on experience with world-class tools and research, Michigan State University’s BS in Astrophysics is the perfect launchpad for your ambitions. You’ll have access to the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB)—a U.S. Department of Energy user facility for nuclear astrophysics research—as well as dedicated observatories, laboratories, and high-performance computing centres. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for internships, summer research, and group projects, all supported by MSU’s strong connections to national and international research institutes.

Here’s just some of what you’ll experience as an MSU Astrophysics student:

• Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB): Work and train at a world-leading accelerator facility dedicated to nuclear physics and astrophysics, with opportunities for hands-on research, summer internships, and international collaboration.

• International Research Laboratory on Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (IRL NPA): Participate in research at the first French-U.S. laboratory dedicated to fundamental questions in nuclear physics and astrophysics, located right at FRIB.

• On-Campus Observatory: Access a 0.6-meter telescope for student observing nights, laboratory exercises, and research projects, plus remote access to partner observatories worldwide (including Kitt Peak, SOAR in Chile, and more).

• Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU): Apply for competitive, paid summer research programs in nuclear and accelerator science, working side-by-side with MSU faculty and research staff.

• Keck Microfabrication Facility: Utilise advanced tools for device fabrication, x-ray diffraction, and electron-beam lithography for astrophysics instrumentation projects.

• High-Performance Computing Centre: Analyse astronomical data and run simulations using MSU’s powerful computing clusters, with walk-in access to micro-computer and graphics labs across campus.

• Group Projects & Hands-On Labs: Collaborate with peers in laboratory-based astrophysics courses, computational modelling, and data analysis projects using the latest scientific software and equipment.

• Dedicated Physics & Astronomy Libraries: Access specialised collections and resources to support your coursework and research.

• Academic Advising & Faculty Mentorship: Get personalised guidance from faculty who are active in international research collaborations and mentoring undergraduate research.

• National and International Research Connections: Take part in off-campus research at facilities like Fermilab, Brookhaven, CERN, and observatories in the U.S., Chile, and Australia.

Graduates of Michigan State University’s BS in Astrophysics program are prepared for impactful careers as research scientists, observatory technicians, data analysts, and science educators. With MSU’s robust resources and connections, you’ll have a clear path to graduate study and a variety of scientific and technical roles. Here’s how MSU sets you up for success.

Here’s how Michigan State University supports your future:

• Mentorship and advising: The College of Natural Science provides dedicated academic advisors and a Stellar Mentorship Program, connecting you with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals for career planning and research opportunities.

• Hands-on research and clubs: You’ll gain hands-on experience at the MSU Observatory, participate in the Astronomy Group’s research (including nuclear astrophysics and cosmology), and can join the Astronomy Club for networking and outreach.

• Career services and internships: MSU Career Services Network offers resume workshops, career fairs, and connects students to internships at places like the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), both located on campus.

• Employment outcomes and salary potential: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, astronomers and physicists have a median annual salary of $96,000–$147,000; MSU alumni work at NASA, national observatories, planetariums, and top research labs.

• Industry and research partnerships: MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy collaborates with national research centres, the American Astronomical Society, and international observatories, giving you access to real-world data and collaborative projects.

• Accreditation and recognition: Michigan State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the College of Natural Science is nationally recognised, ensuring your degree is respected by employers and graduate schools worldwide.

• Graduate program placements: Recent graduates have been accepted to top-tier graduate programs (including Princeton, Caltech, and the University of Michigan) and have secured positions at institutions such as NASA Goddard, the Adler Planetarium, and the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Astrophysics at MSU, you’ll be highly competitive for master’s and Ph.D. programs in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics. Many graduates go on to advanced research, university teaching, or technical leadership roles at major observatories, space agencies (such as NASA and ESA), and leading research universities.