The Major
B.S. Degree in Astronomy
The Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy offers two tracks geared toward different career directions. The Astrophysics track provides preparation for advanced studies in astronomy or allied fields after graduation; students acquire the substantial background in physics and math essential for pursuing a research career in astronomy. The Space Sciences track provides preparation for a career in astronomy-related mission support; it requires somewhat less physics and math than the Astrophysics track, and provides more flexibility for pursuing additional coursework suited to the individual student’s goals. Students may change tracks after consultation with and approval by their adviser.
Requirements for both tracks
- ASTRON 191A Freshman Seminar (recommended)ASTRON 228 Stars and Galaxies
- ASTRON 301 Junior Year Writing or PHYSICS 381
- ASTRON 335 Modern Astrophysics
- MATH 131 Calculus I
- MATH 132 Calculus II
- MATH 233 Multivariate Calculus
- PHYSICS 281 Computational Physics
- PHYSICS 284 Modern Physics, PHYSICS 286 Modern Physics Lab
- PHYSICS 287 Physics III - Waves and Thermodynamics, PHYSICS 289 Physics III Lab
Astrophysics Track
- ASTRON 339 Astronomy in a Global Context or PHYSICS 440
- ASTRON 452 Galaxies
- One additional Astronomy course (of at least 3 credits) at the 300-level or greater
- MATH 331 Ordinary Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers
- PHYSICS 181 Physics I - Mechanics with lab
- PHYSICS 182 Physics II- Electricity and Magnetics with lab
- PHYSICS 282 Techniques of Theoretical Physics
- PHYSICS 421 Mechanics
- PHYSICS 422 Electricity and Magnetism
- PHYSICS 423 Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
- PHYSICS 424 Modern Physics II
Additional courses, approved by the Astronomy adviser, to reach a total of at least 60 credits in the College of Natural Sciences.
Space Sciences Track
- ASTRON 339 Astronomy in a Global Context
- Three additional Astronomy courses (of at least 3 credits each) at the 200 level or above and one of these three additional courses must be at the 300 level or above (the 300+ level course can be in related fields such as Physics and Geoscience).
- PHYSICS 151 General Physics I with lab or PHYSICS 181 Physics I - Mechanics with lab
- PHYSICS 152 - General Physics II with lab or PHYSICS 182 Physics II- Electricity and Magnetics with lab
- One additional Physics course (of at least 3 credits) at the 400 level or higher
Concentration Requirement: Three courses (of at least 3 credits each) in a related field agreed to by the student's Department Advisor.
Additional courses, approved by the Astronomy adviser, to reach a total of at least 60 credits within the College of Natural Sciences.
B.A. Degree in Astronomy
The Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy is intended to be flexible enough for a wide variety of career directions: teaching, museum work, science writing, pre-medical studies, etc. This degree program is aimed at students interested in pursuing a broader understanding of the sciences centered on astronomy, including cross-disciplinary fields such as astrobiology or archaeoastronomy.
This flexibility in the curriculum requires the student to work closely with an adviser to design a program of study that will meet the student’s goals. A written plan should be developed and approved by the junior year.
Requirements
- ASTRON 191A Freshman Seminar (recommended)
- ASTRON 228 Stars and Galaxies
- ASTRON 301 Junior Year Writing
- ASTRON 335 Modern Astrophysics
- ASTRON 339 Astronomy in a Global Context
- Two additional courses (each at least 3 credits) at any level in Astronomy, or in closely-related courses offered in other departments.
- One additional course (at least 3 credits) at the 300 level or higher in Astronomy courses or in closely-related courses in other departments.
- MATH 131 Calculus I
- MATH 132 Calculus II
- MATH 233 Multivariate Calculus
- PHYSICS 151 Introductory Physics I (with lab)
- PHYSICS 152 Introductory Physics II (with lab)
- PHYSICS 281 Computational Physics
- PHYSICS 284 Modern Physics, PHYSICS 286 Modern Physics lab
- PHYSICS 287 Waves and Thermodynamics, PHYSICS 289 Waves and Thermodynamics lab.
Note that for the BA degree there is a College of Natural Sciences foreign language requirement.