Minor in Quantum Sciences and Technology (Available Now!)
In response to the explosion of research, development, investment, and employment opportunities in quantum information science taking place across academia, national labs, and private industry, the Georgia Tech School of Physics is now offering a new undergraduate Minor in Quantum Sciences and Technology. The minor program is open to all Georgia Tech undergraduate students, regardless of major, who are interested in learning more about:
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Quantum Information Theory
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Applications of Quantum Information to Measurement Science
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Quantum Materials
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Quantum Computation
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Quantum Algorithms
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Quantum Communication
or any other quantum science related topics. For students majoring in math, chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering, or math, this offers a great foundation in quantum physics and applications to quantum information science for those students interested in graduate study or employment in burgeoning quantum industries. For physics students, the minor provides a breadth of applied knowledge, again aimed at students looking to move into this rapidly growing, interdisciplinary field.
Major in Astrophysics (Coming Summer 2025!)
The Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics degree provides comprehensive and rigorous training in the fundamental physical processes and laws that govern planetary systems, stars, galaxies and the Universe as a whole. In addition to these core topics, the degree includes training in computational techniques and data analysis that can be applied to a variety of disciplines.
What courses are part of the Astrophysics major?
The Astrophysics major provides a rigorous education in physics and mathematics, and includes the following Astrophysics classes:
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PHYS 2210 Introduction to Astrophysics
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PHYS 3022 Stars and Planets (this course is an updated version of the old PHYS 3021 course which will no longer be offered)
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PHYS 3210 Astrophysics Lab (available Spring 2026)
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PHYS 4147 Relativity
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PHYS 4247 Cosmology and Galaxies
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PHYS 4347 Theoretical Astrophysics
In addition, students must take 9 credit hours from the following list:
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PHYS 3120 Computational Physics
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PHYS 3151 Mathematical Physics
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PHYS 3202 Classical Mechanics II
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PHYS 3232 Optics I
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PHYS 4261 Atomic Physics
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PHYS 4263 Nuclei, Particles & Fields
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PHYS 4601 Senior Seminar I
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PHYS 4803 Space Plasma Physics
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PHYS 4699 Undergraduate Research (limited to at most 3 hours)
See example 4-year plan for the Astrophysics degree
I'm a high school student applying to Georgia Tech and I can't see Astrophysics in the list of majors. What should I do?
Applicants for 2025 admission to Georgia Tech who are interested in Astrophysics should select 'Physics' as their major. Admitted students will have the option to choose Astrophysics during the major confirmation process, which is available after the student is admitted and pays the enrollment deposit. Astrophysics will be one of the major selection options beginning with the 2026 application.
I'm a transfer student applying to or starting at Georgia Tech in 2025. How can I become an Astrophysics major?
Transfer students enrolling in Spring 2025 as Physics majors will need to follow the typical major change process as for current students if they wish to pursue Astrophysics. We will add Astrophysics to the major selection options beginning with the Summer 2025 application which opens on December 1.
What about a Minor in Astrophysics?
Yes, an undergraduate Minor in Astrophysics open to all Georgia Tech undergraduates will be available beginning Summer 2025. The Minor includes the following plan of study:
Required Classes
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PHYS 2213 Introduction to Modern Physics
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PHYS 2210 Introduction to Astrophysics
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PHYS 3022 Stars and Planets (this course is an updated version of the old PHYS 3021 course which will no longer be offered)
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PHYS 3201 Classical Mechanics I
One of
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PHYS 4147 Relativity
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PHYS 4247 Cosmology and Galaxies
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PHYS 4347 Theoretical Astrophysics
The undergraduate Certificate in Astrophysics will no longer be offered after Spring 2025.
Who should I contact with questions?
Please reach out to both Prof. Ballantyne and Dr. Greco with questions. For questions regarding changing your major please speak directly to your academic advisor.
