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 Astrophysics I: Stars and Galaxies
ASTRON 301 Junior Year Writing
ASTRON 339 Astronomy in a Global Context or PHYSICS 440
MATH 131 Calculus I
MATH 132 Calculus II
MATH 233 Multivariate Calculus
PHYSICS 181 Physics I - Mechanics with lab
PHYSICS 182 Physics II- Electricity and Magnetics with lab
PHYSICS 271 Mathematical Methods of Physics I
PHYSICS 272 Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics and Special Relativity
PHYSICS 273 Sophomore Lab I
PHYSICS 276 Physics IV: Introduction to Waves and Quantum Mechanics
PHYSICS 277 Sophomore Lab II
PHYSICS 281 Computational Physics

Astrophysics Track

ASTRON 335 Astrophysics II: Stellar Structure and Evolution
ASTRON 452 Astrophysics III: Galaxies and the Universe
One additional Astronomy course (of at least 3 credits) at the 300-level or greater. ASTRO 339 cannot satisfy this requirement if used to satisfy the IE requirement. Independent study, practicum, honors project, honors thesis and honors research cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.
PHYSICS 275 Mathematical Methos of Physics II
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 335 Astrophysics II: Stellar Structure and Evolution or ASTRON 452 Astrophysics III: Galaxies and the Universe
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. ASTRO 339 cannot satisfy this requirement if used to satisfy the IE requirement. Independent study, practicum, honors project, honors thesis and honors research cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.
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. The courses used to satisfy the concentration requirement cannot be used to satisfy any other astronomy requirement.

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 Astrophysics I: Stars and Galaxies
ASTRON 301 Junior Year Writing
ASTRON 335 Astrophysics II: Stellar Structure and Evolution or ASTRON 452 Astrophysics III: Galaxies and the Universe
ASTRON 339 Astronomy in a Global Context
Three additional astronomy classes (each at least 3 credits), two must be at the 200 level or higher and one must be at the 300 level or higher. Independent study, practicum, honors project, honors thesis and honors research cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.
MATH 131 Calculus I
MATH 132 Calculus II
MATH 233 Multivariate Calculus
PHYSICS 181 Physics I - Mechanics with lab
PHYSICS 182 Physics II- Electricity and Magnetics with lab
PHYSICS 272 Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics and Special Relativity
PHYSICS 273 Sophomore Lab I
PHYSICS 276 Physics IV: Introduction to Waves and Quantum Mechanics
PHYSICS 277 Sophomore Lab II
PHYSICS 281 Computational Physics

Note that for the BA degree there is a College of Natural Sciences foreign language requirement.