Astrobiology, B.S.

In Florida Tech’s astrobiology program, you’ll build a solid foundation in physics, biology and chemistry while gaining hands-on experience with space science technologies. Choose a concentration in astrophysics, biology or chemistry to focus your studies. Graduates are prepared for careers in aerospace, biotechnology or related industries, as well as for graduate study in astrophysics, planetary science or biology.

At Florida Tech, astrobiology students work closely with faculty who are active researchers and educators. From the start, you’ll have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects and research, gaining practical experience that supports your learning and career goals.

In your first year, you’ll take the Physics and Space Sciences Seminar, which introduces major contemporary problems and research areas in physics and space sciences. This early exposure helps you engage with ongoing research and start thinking about the topics you might explore in your concentration.

Astrobiology students often join research groups early in their studies, gaining experience alongside faculty and graduate students.

Faculty research covers a broad range of topics, including:

• Detecting exoplanets and characterizing their properties
• Predicting planetary habitability and designing life-detection missions
• Modeling the origins of life and identifying biosignatures and technosignatures
• Exploring in-situ resource utilization for human space exploration, such as growing crops in Martian regolith

Whether collaborating with a professor, working with peers or pursuing an independent project, students gain valuable hands-on experience that strengthens their portfolios and prepares them for graduate study or professional careers.

Florida Tech’s campus sits on the Space Coast, near NASA-Kennedy Space Center and world-leading aerospace companies like Northrop Grumman Corp., Lockheed Martin, SpaceX and L3Harris Technologies, Inc. These connections give students opportunities for internships, research collaborations and future careers.

When it’s time for rest and relaxation, you’ll be minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River Lagoon and 72 miles of beautiful beaches, with easy access to the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks. We also have a rich campus life that includes intramural and collegiate sports, clubs and social activities.

Astrobiology students at Florida Tech gain hands-on experience through internships with local and national organizations, including NASA, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Sandia National Laboratories and the American Institute of Physics. These opportunities help students apply what they learn in the classroom while building experience for graduate study and professional careers.

Florida Tech’s strong ties to the space science and exploration community give astrobiology students many ways to get involved beyond the classroom.

Students can participate in organizations like the Astronomical Research and Education Society (ARES), which offers opportunities for undergraduate research, training in astronautics and professional development in astro-related fields.

Astrobiology students may also join the S3 student organization, which includes the Student Astronomical Society and student chapters of the Society of Physics Students and Students for the Exploration and Development of Space. Through projects, conferences and related activities, students connect with peers and professionals in physics and space sciences.

With over 200 other student organizations, clubs and honor societies on campus, students have many ways to share interests, build connections and prepare for internships, research experiences and future careers.