Physics and Astronomy Degrees at Embry‑Riddle
Explore New Frontiers in Space and Science
Tell Us About Yourself
Physics and Astronomy Programs
Embry‑Riddle is proud to offer the following undergraduate degrees in physics:
Students learn physics and astronomy through both traditional classroom and research-focused courses to understand and explore the Universe. You will use the best on-campus observatory in Arizona and emerge from the program prepared to enter a variety of industrial positions as well as being well-prepared for graduate school in astronomy or related fields.
Through a combination of physics and astronomy classroom courses and hands-on laboratory experiences, you will graduate prepared for a broad range of careers using mathematics, physics, optics, astronomy, astrophysics and instrumentation.
This program combines fundamental and advanced physics principles with hands-on engineering design and problem-solving techniques with applications in space and beyond. Choose from two areas of concentration: Spacecraft Systems or Spacecraft Instrumentation.
The undergraduate Engineering Physics program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.
On the Daytona Beach Campus, students study space exploration through studies including the Earth-sun environment, atmospheric sciences and laboratory plasma physics.
At the Prescott Campus, students learn about the far reaches of space through an applied physics program that includes research opportunities in gravitational and particle astrophysics.
Discover the Unknown
To me, studying space meant studying the unknown. There's so much we don’t know about the universe and it’s all there to be discovered; someone just has to do it!
Key Benefits
Technology at Your Fingertips
High-tech telescopes on both campuses include a 20-inch Ritchey-Chretien telescope, a 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and the largest university telescope in the state of Florida.
Research Opportunities
Faculty members are active in research, and many have funding for student involvement in their projects through grants from NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other organizations.
Premier Labs & Facilities
Students get hands-on experience and apply principles learned in class in our industry-grade labs and facilities on campus.
Program Highlights
One-of-a-Kind
Our Space Physics program is the only bachelor’s program of its kind in the United States. You’ll be introduced to advanced, graduate-level topics as an undergrad.
Versatile Degrees
Engineering Physics blends engineering and physical sciences in a unique program that opens doors to all fields of engineering and mathematics.
Astronomers in Action
Students from our Astronomy programs have been published in peer-reviewed journals, contributed to groundbreaking research and even named an exoplanet found by the James Webb Space Telescope.
Program Outcomes
Embry‑Riddle graduates are highly sought after in the job market. 95% of alumni report being employed or seeking further education within a year of graduation. Students in these programs are primed for graduate school, and those aiming for high-paying jobs go directly to master’s or doctoral programs after program completion.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth in job openings for physicists and astronomers between 2023 and 2033. As of May 2023, physicists earned a median salary of $155,680, and astronomers earned $127,930, most commonly with doctorate-level degrees.
Notable Employers:
- General Electric
- Lockheed Martin
- NASA – Johnson Space Center
- Northrop Grumman
- U.S. Department of Energy
Scholarships & Aid
Did you know that 94% of Embry‑Riddle freshmen receive some form of financial aid through scholarships, grants and loans? Scholarship applications are open to all students who qualify. Millions of dollars from internal and external scholarships are disbursed to recipients every year.
When it comes to educational funding, you have options at Embry‑Riddle. Don’t let the cost of attending deter you from advancing your education and your career.
Our dedicated counselors can advise you on ways to help finance your future and focus on your studies. You can be assured an investment in Embry‑Riddle is a wise one.
by the numbers
- 1926 The year Embry‑Riddle was founded. .
- 100+ Degrees to choose from. .
- 95% Employed or continuing education within a year of graduation. .
- 160,000+ Alumni around the world. .