Bachelor of Science in
Space Physics
Embry-Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Space Physics is the only undergraduate space physics program in the U.S. It is designed for students with superior math and science skills who have a strong interest in space-related research. Space Physics majors work under the direction of research-active physicists who share their passion for understanding the universe. The Space Physics program at ERAU engages students in the scientific side of space exploration through studies of the Earth-Sun environment, atmospheric sciences, aurorae, planetary sciences, laboratory plasma physics, and exoplanets.
A Space Physics degree provides a strong experimental physics background, so graduates emerge from the program ready to work in basic or applied research or within the rapidly expanding commercial space industry. Graduates of the program are also well-prepared for careers in medical physics, biophysics, plasma physics, and in the military and security sectors.
Even as an undergraduate, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of faculty-sponsored research projects, most of which are supported by grants from NASA, the National Science Foundation, and other funding agencies.
Students at ERAU can join a number of campus organizations and clubs to begin professional networking and fully immerse themselves in the field. Examples of these include the student chapter of the Mars Society, Society of Physics Students, and Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honors society.
DETAILS
This offering is available at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Space Physics at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
Part of the Department of Physical Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, the B.S. in Space Physics degree program emphasizes the physics of the solar-terrestrial and distant-space environments.
Students learn how to study the magnetic and electric phenomena that occur in outer space, in the upper atmosphere of planets, and on the sun. In the field, space physicists use ground-based instruments, balloons, rockets, satellites, and deep space probes to study these phenomena.
This program is designed to produce graduates who want to pursue careers in space-related professions or who want to pursue advanced studies in diverse areas of science and engineering.
The College of Arts and Sciences building houses Florida’s largest university-based research telescope, an instrumented 1-meter, Ritchey-Chrétien reflecting telescope. Adjacent, is a helioscope to observe solar activity.
ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus is located just 50 miles north of Kennedy Space Center, which is the epicenter of Florida’s Space Coast. Students can witness launches from campus by just stepping outside and looking southward.
The Daytona Beach Campus location places ERAU in close proximity to much of the activity surrounding the next generation of space exploration missions.
A typical first year will include General Education courses plus core work, such as Current Topics in Space Science and Foundational Math and Science courses.
The program shares its facilities and some course work with the highly successful Engineering Physics program, one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.
Students can take courses at the Kennedy Space Center via the Florida Space Institute, of which ERAU is a member. Or take special tours of space facilities with classes or clubs, participate in co-ops or internships, and attend space launches.
Six out of seven professors in the BSSP program are full professors and four are recipients of the National Science Foundation Early Career Award. The BSSP program has a critical mass to accomplish any research in the Sun-Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling.
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics is designed to produce graduates who want to pursue careers in space-related professions or who want to pursue advanced studies in diverse areas of science and engineering. This program supports the University’s purpose “to provide a comprehensive education to prepare graduates for productive careers and responsible citizenship with special emphasis on the needs of aviation, aerospace engineering, and related fields.”
As defined by NASA, “Space Physics is the scientific study of magnetic and electric phenomena that occur in outer space, in the upper atmosphere of planets, and on the Sun. Space physicists use ground-based instruments, balloons, rockets, satellites, and deep space probes to study these phenomena where they occur.” Examples of such studies include space shuttle aurora observations, ground-based solar studies, ground-based ionospheric studies, balloon flights to the edge of the atmosphere, and sounding rocket flights into near space.
The program shares its facilities and some coursework with the Engineering Physics and Astronomy & Astrophysics programs.
Admission Requirements
To enter this program, students must have completed four years of high school science and mathematics, demonstrating a high level of competency. Successful candidates for this program will be prepared to enter Calculus I and Chemistry for Engineers.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics degree program requires 121 credit hours. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is needed for all required EP and PS courses, including technical electives. The program can be completed in eight semesters. The courses necessary to earn this degree are listed below. Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Check the course descriptions at the back of this catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing.
A grade of C or better is required to satisfy lower-level prerequisites for entry into all EP and PS courses.
General Education Requirements
For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog. These minimum requirements are applicable to all degree programs.
| Communication Theory & Skills | 9 | |
| Humanities - Lower level * | 3 | |
| Social Sciences - Lower level * | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences - Lower or Upper level * | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences - Upper level * | 3 | |
| Computer Science (EGR 115) | 3 | |
| Mathematics (MA 241, MA 242) | 8 | |
| Physical and Life Sciences (PS 226, PS 226L & PS 227) | 7 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
| Program Core | ||
| EP 101 | Current Topics in Space Science | 1 |
| Mathematics | ||
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| MA 441 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I | 3 |
| MA 442 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics II | 3 |
| Physical Science | ||
| CHM 140 | Chemistry for Engineers | 4 |
| CHM 140L | Chemistry for Engineers Laboratory | 1 |
| EP 320 | Electro-Optical Engineering | 3 |
| PS 228 | Physics III | 3 |
| PS 228L | Physics III Laboratory | 1 |
| PS 303 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PS 305 | Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PS 320 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PS 400 | Senior Physics Laboratory I | 3 |
| PS 405 | Atomic Nuclear Physics | 3 |
| EP 492 | Senior Project (Or Technical Elective***) | 3 |
| Space Physics | ||
| EP 393 | Spaceflight Dynamics | 3 |
| EP 400 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| EP 410 | Space Physics | 3 |
| EP 411 | Space Physics II | 3 |
| EP 420 | Planetary Science | 3 |
| EP 440 | Engineering Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| EP 455 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PS 214 | Introduction to Space Weather | 3 |
| Technical Electives ** | 6 | |
| Open Electives | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 82 | |
| * | Embry-Riddle courses in the General Education categories of Communication Theory and Skills, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Technical Electives may be chosen from the approved list of courses, assuming prerequisite requirements are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified in the Space Physics vertical outline. |
| *** | Please see Program Coordinator for approval of Technical Elective. |
| ** | Choose from AE/AEL/CEC/CIV/CS/EE/EGR/EP/ES/MA/ME/PS/SE 300-400 level. |
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| EP 101 | Current Topics in Space Science | 1 |
| MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 |
| MA 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II | 4 |
| CHM 140 | Chemistry for Engineers | 4 |
| CHM 140L | Chemistry for Engineers Laboratory | 1 |
| Communication Theory and Skills * | 6 | |
| PS 226 | Physics I | 3 |
| PS 226L | Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| Lower-Level Humanities * | 3 | |
| Lower-Level Social Sciences * | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Year Two | ||
| EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| Communication Theory and Skills * | 3 | |
| PS 214 | Introduction to Space Weather | 3 |
| PS 227 | Physics II | 3 |
| PS 228 | Physics III | 3 |
| PS 228L | Physics III Laboratory | 1 |
| Lower or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science Elective * | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| EP 320 | Electro-Optical Engineering | 3 |
| EP 393 | Spaceflight Dynamics | 3 |
| EP 400 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| MA 441 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I | 3 |
| MA 442 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics II | 3 |
| PS 303 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PS 305 | Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PS 320 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| Open Elective | 6 | |
| Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science Elective * | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 31.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| EP 410 | Space Physics | 3 |
| EP 411 | Space Physics II | 3 |
| EP 420 | Planetary Science | 3 |
| EP 440 | Engineering Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| EP 455 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| EP 492 | Senior Project | 3 |
| PS 400 | Senior Physics Laboratory I | 3 |
| PS 405 | Atomic Nuclear Physics | 3 |
| Technical Electives | 6 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 121 | |
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Summary
121 Credits
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Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
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- Undergrads To Push Drone Swarm Research Forward With Aid From Federal Funding
- Game On: Boeing, Embry-Riddle Work To Enhance Cybersecurity in Capture the Flag Competition
- Eagles Make University History with Top Finish at AIAA DBF Aircraft-Design Competition
- Commercial Space Exec: Hands-On Work Can Launch Careers
- Aerospace Engineering Ph.D. Program Gets $840,000 Boost From U.S. Department of Education
- Saluting Our Future Space Leaders: Eagle Cadets Chosen Among First in Nation for Prestigious Army Training
- Over 1,000 Eagles Take Flight at Daytona Beach Campus Spring Commencement
- Eagles Install Solar Panels at Community Garden
About Space Physics at the Prescott, AZ Campus
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics degree program lets students explore the fundamental forces in nature through investigating atomic, nuclear and elementary particle systems. This applied physics program is designed to produce graduates prepared for space and aerospace-related careers. Working with a dedicated faculty with state-of-the art labs and equipment, students graduate prepared to promote the exploration of space and add to the body of knowledge in science. Because of the strong emphasis on experimental physics, graduates are well-suited to enter a variety of fields in industry and graduate programs. In addition to employment in research and the space program, graduates with physics degrees will pursue diverse space physics careers in fields such as medical physics, biophysics, plasma physics and other areas that utilize physicists, such as the military and security sector.
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics degree is housed in the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Students can choose from three areas of specialization:
- Astroparticle Physics
- Exotic Propulsion
- Gravitational Physics and Cosmology
At the Prescott Campus, students are immersed in designing experiments and building the equipment to conduct their research.
You’ll have extensive opportunities to work closely with dedicated faculty and participate in hands-on experiences at our state-of-the-art campus observatory and labs. The clear air of our mile-high campus provides excellent viewing capability from our 12-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
The Prescott Observatory Complex was ranked among the Top 25 Best College Astronomy Observatories according to CollegeRank.net. The Radio Observatory consists of several radio dishes and antennae, each connected to specialized receiving and analysis equipment.
Students also use specific labs for optics, exotic propulsion, and cosmic ray, as well the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics is an applied physics program designed to prepare students for graduate studies in physics and astrophysics, as well as for work in space-related and aerospace-related industries. Physics is the study of the forces of nature, space and time at the most fundamental level, and provides the foundation on which all physical sciences rest. Students will study the structure of the Universe on all scales from the smallest (elementary particles) to the largest (cosmology) and will gain hands-on experience with research-quality equipment and modern sensing techniques.
In their senior year, students satisfying course and GPA requirements have the option of completing a senior thesis project in an area of interest that overlaps with the research interests of a supervising faculty member. Current faculty interests include: astrophysics, particle physics and cosmology, gravitational waves, general relativity, and exotic propulsion.
Admission Requirements
To enter this program, students must have completed four years of high school science and mathematics, demonstrating a high level of competency. Successful candidates for this program will be prepared to enter Calculus I, Physics I, and General Chemistry and must have a good command of written English.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Space Physics is a 120 credit hour program that can be completed in eight semesters. The list of courses below comprises the complete requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Space Physics. The list is organized as a “vertical outline” according to the year in which the courses would normally be taken. While it is not a requirement that the courses be taken during the year shown, students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Therefore, it is recommended that students keep their schedule as close as possible to the one shown below. Before registering for a course, check the course description section of this catalog to ensure that all prerequisites and/or corequisites are met. It is recommended that students earn a C grade or better in the prerequisite courses. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in core PS courses.
Students may not pursue both a Space Physics B.S. degree and an Astronomy B.S. degree. However, also note that the degree requirements for the first three semesters of both degree programs can be satisfied with the same courses. Thus, a student who is making appropriate progress in either the Space Physics or Astronomy degree programs can switch to the other program after the third semester with a complete transfer of credit from one program to the other.
Program Requirements
General Education (59 Credits)
| CHM 110 & 110L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| Communication Electives | 9 | |
| CS 118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | 3 |
| or EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | |
| Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 |
| MA 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II | 4 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 335 | Introduction to Linear and Abstract Algebra ** | 3 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| MA 435 | Linear and Abstract Algebra II | 3 |
| MA 441 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I | 3 |
| MA 442 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics II | 3 |
| PS 232 | Computational Methods in the Physical Sciences * | 3 |
| Social Science Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Social Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
Space Physics Core (41 Credits)
| PS 204 | General Astronomy ** | 3 |
| PS 215 | Physics I * | 3 |
| PS 216 | Physics I Laboratory * | 1 |
| PS 208 | Physics II ** | 3 |
| PS 221 | Intermediate Physics Laboratory ** | 2 |
| PS 219 | Physics III * | 3 |
| PS 222 | Intermediate Astronomy * | 3 |
| PS 303 | Modern Physics ** | 3 |
| PS 315 | Modern Physics Laboratory ** | 2 |
| PS 321 | Classical Mechanics I * | 3 |
| PS 330 | Electricity and Magnetism I * | 3 |
| PS 350 | Quantum Mechanics I ** | 3 |
| PS 380 | Optics Laboratory ** | 3 |
| PS 405 | Atomic Nuclear Physics * | 3 |
| PS 430 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics ** | 3 |
Research Thesis (6 Credits)
| PS 490 | Senior Research Thesis, Part I | 3 |
| PS 491 | Senior Research Thesis, Part II | 3 |
Technical Electives (9 Credits)
| Technical Electives | 9 | |
Open Electives(5 Credits)
| Open Electives | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
| * | In their senior year, eligible students will choose a thesis project in association with a supervising faculty member. Students who are not eligible to take PS 490 and PS 491 will instead take 6 credits of technical electives selected from the list below. Eligibility for taking PS 490 is described in the prerequisites for the course in the course description section of the catalog. |
| * | Offered in Fall Only |
| ** | Offered in Spring Only |
All Army ROTC students are required to complete SS 321 - U.S. Military History 1900-Present (3 credits) in order to commission.
Space Physics - General
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CHM 110 & 110L |
General Chemistry I | 4 |
| Communication Elective Lower-Level | 3 | |
| MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 |
| PS 215 | Physics I | 3 |
| PS 216 | Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | (1) |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | 3 |
or EGR 115
|
Introduction to Computing for Engineers | |
| MA 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II | 4 |
| PS 204 | General Astronomy | 3 |
| PS 208 | Physics II | 3 |
| PS 221 | Intermediate Physics Laboratory | 2 |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| PS 219 | Physics III | 3 |
| PS 222 | Intermediate Astronomy | 3 |
| PS 232 | Computational Methods in the Physical Sciences | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| Communication Elective Lower-Level | 3 | |
| MA 335 | Introduction to Linear and Abstract Algebra ** | 3 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| PS 303 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PS 315 | Modern Physics Laboratory | 2 |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MA 435 | Linear and Abstract Algebra II | 3 |
| MA 441 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I | 3 |
| PS 321 | Classical Mechanics I | 3 |
| PS 330 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| Social Science Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| Communication Elective Lower-Level | 3 | |
| MA 442 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics II | 3 |
| PS 350 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| PS 380 | Optics Laboratory | 3 |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Humanities Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| PS 405 | Atomic Nuclear Physics | 3 |
| PS 490 | Senior Research Thesis, Part I | 3 |
| Social Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| Open Elective | 5 | |
| PS 430 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PS 491 | Senior Research Thesis, Part II | 3 |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 14.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 120.0 | |
Get Started Now:
Summary
120 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
About the Space Physics Program
Prescott, AZ Campus
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- Golden Eagles Win 14th NIFA SAFECON National Championship
- Nearly 500 Eagles Take Flight at Prescott Campus Spring Commencement
- NASA Discovery Earns Eagle ‘Full Ride' National Science Foundation Fellowship
- International Space Innovation Team Advances to NASA Finals
- What Does Spaceflight Feel Like? Student Tells All
- Embry-Riddle Computer and Project Management Students Build App for Pilots
- Commander of First-Ever All-Civilian Space Mission to Address Grads at Embry-Riddle Commencement
- Embry-Riddle to Develop Camera System for Upcoming Polaris Dawn Space Mission