Undergraduate Major
The Department of Astronomy offers a major in astronomy through the LAS Science and Letters Curriculum. This is a flexible program for students who plan to pursue technical or professional careers in areas requiring a sound grounding in physical science and mathematics. It is based upon both a broad and an in-depth exploration into astronomy and allied disciplines, and is an excellent way to gain a general science education. It may be chosen by student who wish to have an astronomy research career or an astronomy background for use in related fields, such as working in national laboratories, observatories, planetariums, NASA, aerospace industry, many computer related fields, journalism, or science writing to name a few.
Students who are certain that they want to go on to graduate study in astronomy should also consider a double major or double degree program in physics, chemistry, or another closely allied field.
Astronomy Major in Sciences and Letters Curriculum
Note: The degree requirements for major in Astronomy were recently revised, effective the Fall 2009 semester. Students entering the University before the Fall 2009 semester have the option of using either the Fall 2009 degree requirements or the degree requirements in effect their first semester of enrollment.
Degree title: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences
LAS Core Requirements: To graduate with a degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, all LAS students must fulfill the core requirements.
Astronomy Major Course Requirements:
| Hours | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 3 | ASTR 210 - General Astronomy1 |
| 10-11 | Advanced Astronomy Core:
|
| 12 |
|
| Supporting Technical Courses: | |
| 12 |
|
| 11 | MATH 221 - Calculus I5 MATH 231 - Calculus II MATH 241 - Calculus III |
- Students without a background in physics or astronomy are encouraged to take ASTR 121 and ASTR 122 during their freshman year.
- Requires concurrent enrollment in ASTR 404, 405, 406, or 414.
- A maximum of 4 hours of credit in ASTR 390 (or equivalent "Independent Study" course, such as PHYS 497, with academic adviser approval) can be counted towards this requirement.
- Recommended courses for students intending to pursue graduate study in Astronomy: PHYS 325, 326, 401, 427, 435, 436, 479, 486, 487.
- MATH 220 may be substituted for MATH 221. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus.
Double Major/Double Degree Programs
Astrophysics
- Students who plan to pursue graduate study in Astronomy or Astrophysics will be well-served by pursuing an Astronomy/Physics combined program.
- Students who wish to complete physics major in the LAS Sciences and Letters Curriculum in addition to the astronomy major can pursue a double major.
- Students who wish to complete the LAS Specialized Curriculum in Physics major or the Engineering Physics major in addition to the Astronomy major must apply for a double degree program.
Please consult undergraduate advisors in Astronomy and Physics for more information about these curricula. Some guidance on satisfying the necessary course requirements is available in these PDF files on the double major and double degree options.
Astrochemistry
Undergraduates who wish to receive formal training in astrochemistry may complete a combined program in Astronomy and Chemistry. Such students are especially encouraged to take ASTR/CHEM 450 and ASTR/CHEM 451 if their timing permits.
- Students who wish to complete chemistry major in the Sciences and Letters Curriculum in addition to the astronomy major can pursue a double major.
- Students who wish to complete the Specialized Curriculum in Chemistry major in addition to the Astronomy major must apply for a double degree program.
Please consult undergraduate advisors in Astronomy and Chemistry for more information about these curricula. Some guidance on satisfying the necessary course requirements is available in these PDF files on the double major and double degree options.