B.S. in Astronomy
The Bachelor of Science in Astronomy provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for graduate studies or careers in technology, medicine, education, law, finance, industry, and other professions.
Students planning to attend graduate school in astronomy (or another program in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) are advised to pursue this degree.
Please refer to the BS Astronomy Planner for a suggested sequence of courses.
Note that many courses are offered only in the fall or only in the spring.
Astronomy, B.S.
Requirements for a Major in Astronomy
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Forty-three semester hours including: | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| PHY 1420 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 1430 | General Physics II | 4 |
| PHY 2190 | Introduction to Research in Physics | 1 |
| PHY 2350 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHY 2355 & PHY 2155 | Foundations of Astronomy and Foundations of Astronomy Laboratory | 4 |
| PHY 2360 | Mathematical and Computational Physics | 3 |
| PHY 3320 | Intermediate Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHY 3350 | Topics in Astronomy | 3 |
| PHY 3455 | Observational Astronomy | 4 |
| PHY 4150 | Instructional Observing | 1 |
| PHY 4190 | Dissemination of Research Results in Physics | 1 |
| PHY 4350 | Introduction to Stellar Structure and Evolution | 3 |
| PHY 4351 | Introduction to Modern Cosmology | 3 |
| PHY 4001 | Exit Exam | 0 |
| Six semester hours of 3000-4000 level PHY courses 1 | 6 | |
| Subtotal | 43 | |
| Required Courses in Other Fields | ||
| CHE 1301 | Basic Principles of Modern Chemistry I | 3 |
| CSI 1401 | Introduction to Programming I | 4 |
| or CSI 1430 | Introduction to Computer Science I with Laboratory | |
| MTH 1321 | Calculus I | 3 |
| MTH 1322 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MTH 2311 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MTH 2321 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MTH 3325 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| MTH 3326 | Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| Nine semester hours from the following: BIO, CHE, CSI, GEO, MTH, or STA. 2, 3 | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 77 | |
- 1
For students wishing to pursue graduate studies in astronomy, PHY 3330 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism and PHY 3372 Introductory Quantum Mechanics I are recommended. PHY 3373 Introductory Quantum Mechanics II is also recommended taken as an additional elective course.
- 2
Excluding STA 2381 Introductory Statistical Methods
- 3
Courses selected must apply to a major in these fields.