The Department of Astronomy offers an undergraduate major and minor in Astrophysics. This program prepares students for astrophysics graduate work or other advanced degrees in related science and engineering fields. It also prepares students for careers in teaching or for working in data science, the tech industry, and other technical fields.Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties (luminosity, density, temperature, and chemical composition) and interactions of celestial objects such as stars, galaxies, and the interstellar medium.<br><br>Berkeley’s Department of Astronomy offers a wealth of instruction in a wide variety of fields, including theoretical and observational astrophysics; high-energy astrophysics and cosmology; and spectroscopy. Berkeley students also gain access to the world-class research and teaching occurring across campus, including the Space Science Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Add to that the many instruments available to students, including two 10-meter telescopes at the Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea in Hawaii, 30-inch, 40-inch and 120-inch telescopes at Lick Observatory, a 16-element millimeter-wave interferometer in Southern California, the PAPER Array in South Africa, and a 30-inch telescope at Leuschner Observatory (near campus). The undergraduate Astrophysics degree program is offered through the College of Letters Science.<br><br>Potential Careers:<br>Academia<br>Astrophysics graduate work<br>Astronomical research enterprises<br>Industry (including computer software, high-technology, telecommunications, and aerospace companies)<br>Journalism