Carnegie Mellon University
August 17, 2022

Gizmodo Names CMU’s Department of Physics a Top Astronomy & Astrophysics Program

By Jocelyn Duffy

Jocelyn Duffy
  • Associate Dean for Communications, MCS
  • 412-268-9982

Astronomy and astrophysics has been named a “Degree of the Future,” and Carnegie Mellon University has been recognized as one of the top programs in the field by Gizmodo Magazine.

The magazine stated that “knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics is crucial to understanding some of the most fundamental questions of our universe. We cannot know the origins of anything — from galaxies to black holes to life itself — without studying the cosmos in detail,” and cited that next-generation telescope projects will bring humanity closer to answers.

Carnegie Mellon, which offers an astrophysics track as part of it bachelor of science in physics program, provides students with access to professors working on these projects, such as the Legacy Survey of Space and Time at the Rubin Observatory, and opportunities to conduct research alongside faculty from the university’s interdisciplinary McWilliams Center for Cosmology.

“Students who come to Carnegie Mellon to study physics do state-of-the-art research in fields of the future, like astrophysics,” said Department of Physics Head Scott Dodelson. “They also benefit from a small-town environment that is welcoming to all.”

Gizmodo Magazine created its list of disciplines that will define the 21st century and the programs that offer the best education in these areas in partnership with independent market research provider Statista.

In addition to astronomy and astrophysics, Carnegie Mellon was designated a top school in nine other fields, including artificial intelligence, data science and autonomy and robotics. Faculty and student researchers in all of the Mellon College of Science’s departments — Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences and Physics — are creating the research of the future through interdisciplinary partnerships that bring together automation, artificial intelligence and data science with the foundational sciences.