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The Astrophysics undergraduate program, available as both a major and minor, equips students for graduate studies in astrophysics or other advanced science and engineering disciplines. This curriculum also provides foundational knowledge for careers in education, data science, technology sectors, and various technical professions. Astrophysics explores the physical principles governing celestial phenomena, examining properties like luminosity, density, temperature, and chemical composition of stars, galaxies, and interstellar matter.
At Berkeley's Astronomy Department, students engage with diverse specialties ranging from theoretical and observational astrophysics to high-energy astrophysics, cosmology, and spectroscopy. The program leverages campus-wide resources including cutting-edge research facilities like the Space Science Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Students utilize exceptional observational tools such as the Keck Observatory's twin 10-meter telescopes in Hawaii, Lick Observatory's 30-inch to 120-inch telescopes, a Southern California millimeter-wave interferometer, South Africa's PAPER Array, and Leuschner Observatory's nearby 30-inch telescope. This Astrophysics degree is administered by the College of Letters and Science.
Career Pathways:
Academic research
Advanced astrophysics studies
Astronomical research institutions
Technology sectors (software development, advanced tech, telecommunications, aerospace)
Science communication
To be considered for admission to UC Berkeley, international applicants must:
finish secondary school and
earn a certificate of completion, which allows admission to a university in their home country or country of graduation
The university requires further study, either completion of the two-year A-level program with a minimum of three academic exams, the IB diploma program, or another similar academic curriculum.
For (IBT) minimum score of 80 or better, Paper-based test (completed prior to Oct. 2017): Minimum score of 550 or better, Revised paper-delivered test (completed Oct. 2017 or later): Minimum score of 60 or better, (IELTS) Accepted with a 6.5 or better band score (academic modules)