Minor in Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences

Our students become accomplished critical thinkers who have a unified view of solar and space sciences, planetary systems, stellar and galactic astronomy, and cosmology, and who apply this knowledge and skill in a range of careers.

Minor in Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences

The minor in astrophysical and planetary sciences provides students with a unified view of solar and space sciences, planetary systems (our solar system and others), stellar and galactic astronomy, and cosmology. The minor is ideal for students who have an interest in what exists beyond Earth.

Gain hands-on experience with telescopes, optics, instrumentation, computer image processing and computer modeling
Learn from experts at a top university in the exploration and study of space
Complement your undergraduate studies with a minor

Ralphie mascot in an astronaut suit shaking hands

#1 public university for NASA research funds and widely recognized as a top university in the exploration and study of space

Students looking at lighted globe or Earth

One of the few programs that combines astrophysics and planetary science

Our faculty carry out research in a wide range of disciplines, from observing cosmic microwave background in Antarctica to building space probes to explore Mars' atmosphere

Be successful.

A minor in astrophysical and planetary sciences allows you to enter the workforce with applicable skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Research assistant, data analyst, systems analyst, instructor, technical writer and software designer are common job titles of our graduates

Overall employment of astronomers is projected to grow 9% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a minor

Academic Plan & Requirements

The minor in astrophysical and planetary sciences is open to all undergraduate students. To earn the minor, students must complete a minimum of 18 credits.

Course topics include:

Ancient Astronomies of the World
Structure of the Universe
Space Astronomy and Exploration
Black Holes
Search for Life in the Universe
Gateway to Space
Scientific Programming
Extraterrestrial Life

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Curriculum & Program Requirements

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Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Some opportunities include:

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Be inspired.

The astrophysical and planetary sciences department has an extensive list of alumni who have worked in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Joe Romig

(Phys'63; PhD Astrogeophysics, '75)
Founder of the consulting firm Ponderosa Associates, was a two-time All-American selection and runner-up for the Heisman Trophy when he played football at CU, and a Rhodes Scholar. He also worked in the advanced planetary program section of Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) and contributed to NASA’s Voyager missions.

Alan Stern

(PhD'89)
Founder of the Boulder Office of the Southwest Research Institute (2001 to present) where he helps lead NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. His awards include the Von Braun Aerospace Achievement Award of the National Space Society, the 2007 University of Colorado George Norlin Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Smithsonian magazine’s 2015 American Ingenuity Award.

Megan Donahue

(PhD'90)
Professor of physics and astronomy at Michigan State University and the president of the American Astronomical Society (June 2018–June 2020).

Randol Aikin

(BA'06)
The system-engineering lead on Uber's self-driving truck program. Before that, he was a senior technologist at Apple and a member of the technical staff at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory. He graduated with a PhD in physics from Caltech.

Loren Wilber Acton

(PhD, Astrogeophysics, '65)
A physicist who flew on NASA’s space shuttle mission STS-51-F as a p ayload specialist for the Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory.

Morgan Rehnberg

(PhD'17)
The director of scientific presentation at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

Mark Voit

(PhD'90)
Professor of physics and astronomy at Michigan State University, and associate dean for undergraduate studies. Voit, along with Jeff Bennett, Megan Donahue and Nick Schneider, is a co-author of The Cosmic Perspective, the world’s best-selling textbook for undergraduate astronomy, used by over 700,000 students.

Jeffrey Bennett

(PhD'87)
The lead author of best-selling college textbooks in four subject areas: astronomy, mathematics, statistics and astrobiology. Together, these books have sold more than 1.5 million copies.

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Minor in Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences

Related Programs

Be successful.

Academic Plan & Requirements

Learn More

Community & Involvement

Be inspired.

Joe Romig

Alan Stern

Megan Donahue

Randol Aikin

Loren Wilber Acton

Morgan Rehnberg

Mark Voit

Jeffrey Bennett

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Minor in Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences

Related Programs

Be successful.

Academic Plan & Requirements

Learn More

Community & Involvement

Be inspired.

Joe Romig

Randol Aikin

News & Stories

Get Help

Getting Around

Information for

Initiatives