  Imaging polarimetry at 1.65 and 2.2 $\mu $m is presented for the classic
starburst galaxy M82 and the advanced merger system Cen A. Polarimetry at near
IR wavelengths allows the magnetic field geometry in galaxies to be probed much
deeper into dusty regions than optical polarimetry. In M82, the magnetic field
throughout the nucleus has a polar geometry, presumably due to the massive
vertical flow that is a result of the intense star formation there. Fully two
thirds of the line of sight dust through to the center of M82 contains a
vertical magnetic field. In Cen A, the prominent dust lane shows a normal
planar field geometry. There is no indication of significant disturbance in the
field geometry in the dust lane and the polarization strength is near normal
for the amount of extinction. Either the magnetic field geometry was well
maintained during the merger, or it reestablished itself very easily.
