Departments & Programs
Astronomy
Major in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Students must complete the following Foundations, Intensive Writing, Foreign Language, and Breadth of Inquiry requirements for the B.S. in Astronomy and Astrophysics:
- Writing, same as the general requirements for the B.A. degree (Intensive Writing, English Composition).
- Foreign language, 3 credit hours (or the equivalent) at or above the second-year level. French, Spanish, German, or Russian is normally required.
- Two courses in arts and humanities.
- Two courses in social and historical studies.
- Two courses in natural and mathematical sciences, fulfilled by major.
- One Critical Approaches to the Arts and Sciences course.
Students must complete the following requirements for the major:
- Mathematics M211, M212, M311, and M343.
- Physics P221-P222, P301, P331-P332, and two of P441, P442, P453, or P454.
- Astronomy A221-A222, A305, and two 400-level astronomy courses other than S499.
Students must also complete the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Recommendations
The following physics courses are highly recommended for students planning graduate study in astronomy and astrophysics: P309, P340, P321, and two additional courses from P441, P442, P453, or P454. Other courses of interest are Physics P460, P400; Mathematics M312, M344; Computer Science A201-A202 or C211-C212; Geological Sciences G121, G150; History and Philosophy of Science X222, X390, X391; Chemistry C117, C118.