Go Beyond the Horizon

Are you strong in math and science and interested in space research? A career in space physics may be for you.

As the commercial space industry has grown, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University has met the need for research-ready scientists by offering the nation’s first and only Bachelor of Science in Space Physics. This program combines rigorous coursework with faculty-led research, preparing graduates for scientific missions and careers in both research and industry.

You’ll receive hands-on mentoring and study topics ranging from atmospheric science and auroras to plasma physics and more. Emphasizing experimental physics, the program will prepare you for opportunities in space and applied research as well as the military and security sectors.

What’s Out There?

Curiosity often begins with a question. Ari Chai (’28) is on a quest to uncover the mysteries of the universe. Wanting more than a traditional physics degree, Chai was attracted to Embry‑Riddle’s specialized approach to Space Physics.

On the Prescott Campus, he quickly became involved in undergraduate research, joining the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory team to study advanced mirror coatings for gravitational wave detectors and to develop data processing tools for the campus telescope.

Chai is active in clubs like the Astronomy Club, Society of Physics Students and Out in STEM (oSTEM), where he found mentorship and support. “I went to my first conference with oSTEM,” he said. “It helped me see that there is a place for LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM fields.”

His experiences in the program have given him technical and analytical skills as well as confidence for graduate school. Chai plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and contribute to large-scale research collaborations with a national lab or NASA.

Scaling the Cosmos

Inspired as a child by PBS’ Space Time YouTube channel and her passion for math, science and discovery, Hailey Murray (’25) chose to pursue a B.S. in Space Physics at Embry‑Riddle.

She found a welcoming academic home on the Prescott Campus, where she built close relationships with faculty and peers, spending much of her time in the collaborative “The Cave.”

“This room provides a space to collaborate with peers on difficult assignments and make friends. I spent most of my time on campus in the Cave, and it helped me grow a community of good friends who also share an interest in physics and STEM in general.”

Murray’s journey at Embry‑Riddle was marked by hands-on research in fields like General Relativity and Quantum Information Theory, with projects ranging from black hole solutions to quantum adjacency matrices in quantum graph theory.

Murray was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, providing her with $53,000 per year for three years towards support, tuition and fees.

Driven by curiosity and perseverance, Murray is proof that reaching for the stars leads to limitless possibilities.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Our two residential campuses let you choose between a gorgeous mountain community or a spectacular beach setting.

With our specialized program, both residential campuses provide a strong theoretical and practical foundation, state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on research experience with faculty and industry experts. Whether you choose to study in Arizona or Florida, you’ll find study abroad options, active student organizations and professional networking opportunities.

The Prescott Campus, home to about 3,200 students, combines world-class academics with an unbeatable setting in Arizona’s Bradshaw Mountains, just a short drive from the Grand Canyon and Phoenix. With incredible weather, vibrant campus life and easy access to outdoor adventures and major cities, it offers both rigorous learning and unforgettable experiences.

The strategic location of our Western Campus, close to major scientific facilities, gives you convenient access to observatories, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories and Edwards Air Force Base.

The Daytona Beach Campus, home to more than 8,000 students, is the northern anchor of Florida’s Space Triangle and just minutes from the beach and the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Balance challenging academics with adventures to nearby theme parks, world-famous beaches and freshwater springs in year-round sunshine.

Our East Coast Campus houses Florida’s largest university research telescope, an instrumented 1-meter Ritchey-Chrétien reflecting telescope and a helioscope for observing solar activity, giving you practical experience with ground-based space instruments.  An open-door policy and low student-to-faculty ratio ensure individualized guidance and support.

Discover the Universe

Are you eager to delve into the secrets of the universe? A B.S. in Space Physics at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is your gateway to what lies past the horizon. Unlock your potential and explore new frontiers — apply now!