Bachelor’s in Physics – Astrophysics Degree Study the Science Behind the Stars

120

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Some programs have courses that follow a full-semester schedule or are offered in specific terms only.

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Next Start Dates: January 18, 2027 | February 15, 2027 | March 22, 2027

Available Spring 2027

What physical laws shape planets, power stars, and influence the structure of the universe? Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics – Astrophysics gives you an online path for examining questions like these through mathematics, physics, and scientific analysis. If you’re curious about planets, stars, and galaxies, you can explore the scientific principles that help explain how they form, change, and interact. Along the way, you can build a stronger foundation for continued study in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, and related scientific fields.

Astrophysics brings core areas of physics into the study of space and the universe. In an astrophysics undergraduate degree, you will work with subjects such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, optics, and advanced mathematics. These areas support the quantitative reasoning used to examine celestial phenomena and connect physical theory with observable features of the cosmos.

At Liberty, an online astrophysics degree adds focused study to our broader physics major. You will explore planetary systems, stellar structure and evolution, galaxies, cosmology, and the physical laws that connect these areas while developing experience with scientific problem-solving. The curriculum also includes mathematical modeling, numerical methods, data interpretation, research, and scientific communication. Through Liberty’s faith-informed approach, you can consider scientific discovery alongside questions of order, purpose, integrity, and responsible inquiry.


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What Sets Us Apart?

  • Private Nonprofit University
  • 600+ Online Degrees
  • No Standardized Testing for Admission
  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

An astrophysics degree can open the door to several opportunities after graduation. Depending on your goals and qualifications, you may pursue opportunities in areas such as aerospace, research, data analysis, education, or other scientific and technical fields. You can also use your undergraduate education as a foundation for graduate study in astrophysics, physics, astronomy, or a related discipline if your intended career requires advanced education.

With Liberty, you can pursue your bachelor’s in physics – astrophysics degree through 100% online courses, giving you greater flexibility to balance college with your other responsibilities. Instead of relocating to attend classes on campus, you can complete your coursework from wherever you have reliable internet access. This format can make an astrophysics education more accessible without compromising on quality.

Your courses will be taught by professors with relevant, real-world experience. You’ll have opportunities to engage with instructors who value careful reasoning, academic inquiry, and clear communication. Liberty also approaches each course from a biblical worldview, allowing you to consider scientific discovery alongside questions of faith, integrity, and responsible inquiry.

You can also personalize part of your degree through dedicated free elective hours. This flexibility gives you room to explore additional subjects that complement your interests, academic goals, or plans after graduation. Whether you are considering graduate school or a particular professional field, your electives can help you shape part of your undergraduate experience around what matters to you.


A strong physics foundation will support your study of astrophysics at Liberty. You will work with mathematics such as calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations while also studying mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, quantum physics, optics, and numerical methods. These areas can help you build the quantitative and analytical skills used throughout physics and astrophysics.

Within the astrophysics specialization, you will explore planetary systems and the physical processes that shape them. Your studies will cover topics such as planetary motion, planetary interiors and atmospheres, planets beyond our solar system, and the conditions connected with habitability. You will also examine how physics can be used to understand planets as complex systems. This part of the program connects core physics concepts with questions about worlds both within and beyond our solar system.

You will also study the physics of stars, including how they form, change, and eventually reach the end of their life cycles. Topics include stellar structure, energy transfer within stars, supernova explosions, and stellar remnants. Through this work, you can explore how physical laws and quantitative models help scientists understand stellar behavior.

At the largest scale, you will examine galaxies and the structure of the universe. Your coursework will introduce you to topics such as galactic structure, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic expansion, and cosmological models while emphasizing the connection between theory, data, and observation.

Liberty’s physics curriculum also includes technical communication and a physics capstone. Through the capstone, you will investigate a physics topic, analyze findings, and communicate scientific information in a research-focused setting.

Degree Completion Plan


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At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Many of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2026 when compared to our leading online competitors.

To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no additional cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

Undergraduate Full Time $410/Credit
Undergraduate Part Time $475/Credit
Military Undergraduate $250/Credit

These rates are reflective of academic year 2026-2027. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.


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Military

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

  • Active Duty
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/Retirees
  • Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
  • Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

  • Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
  • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)*
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
  • Potential college credit for military training

*Not applicable to certificates.

These rates are reflective of academic year 2026-2027. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.