Astronomy B.S.

The B.S. in astronomy prepares students for graduate school and careers in research or teaching positions, or employment in industry, business, or science education fields where analytical skills and scientific background are advantageous. Students who are considering a double major in the fields of mathematics, science, computer science, and engineering should talk to an undergraduate coordinator. Some course substitutions are allowed for such majors but must be approved in writing in advance.

In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements for the B.S. degree, candidates must complete a total of 39 credits in physics and astronomy and 17 credits in mathematics with a minimum GPA of 2.000. (Through the coursework below, astronomy majors satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.)

1. Seven required core Astronomy courses (21 credits): ASTR 103 or 113, 201, 328, 403, 404, 428, and 490.
2. Seven required physics courses (18 credits):  PHYS 160, 260, 261, 262, 263, 305, and 308.
3. Five required Math courses (17 credits):  MATH 113, 114, 213, 214, and 313 or 314.
4. Nine credits from the following (at least 6 credits must be in upper level courses):  ASTR 228, 401, 408, 409, 530, 535; CS 112; MATH 203, 446, 447; PHYS 121, 122, 123, 124, 251, 303, 307, 510, or 575, or any pre-approved BIOL, CHEM, MATH, or PHYS courses.
   In meeting requirement number 4, students may choose an area of emphasis. Students who wish to complete an emphasis should plan a program of study in consultation with their advisors. Some areas require more than 9 credits as listed below.

Emphasis in Graduate School Preparation

Prepares students for graduate study in observational or theoretical astronomy. Student must take two courses from: ASTR 530, 535, or MATH 446. They should complete a senior project (ASTR 408) or internship (ASTR 409) in the specialty that they intend to pursue in graduate school.

Emphasis in Computational Astronomy

Prepares students planning for computation/information related jobs in industry and government labs. Student must take nine credits of the following: ASTR 401, PHYS 251 or 510, MATH 446 or 447. In addition, they should complete a senior project (ASTR 408) or internship (ASTR 409).

Emphasis in Astrobiology

Prepares students for careers in research, teaching, or science journalism. Students must take: BIOL 213, 305, 506 (The Origin of Life) and complete a senior project (ASTR 408) or internship (ASTR 409).

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in astronomy may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing ASTR 402.