This program is intended to give students a thorough background in basic physics and astronomy, as well as the historical development of modern physical concepts and the relationship of these basic sciences to other fields. It is a particularly appropriate program for those planning to enter careers on which science and technology have a large impact, such as certain kinds of law, business administration, governmental administration, technical writing, and science education. It is not intended to prepare students for scientific or technical careers, but to enable students to understand and evaluate the ever increasing influence of science and technology on other areas.
A grade average of C or better in the required science courses is required in this program.
Graduation Requirements
- Introductory physics: 0174, 0175, and 0219 or the corresponding honors courses.
- Introductory astronomy: 0113
- Two of the following upper-level courses: Astronomy 1120, 1121, 1263; Geology 1701.
- Mathematics: 0220, 0230, 0240; or the corresponding honors courses.
- Additional physics: 0479, 0481, 1310.
- At least one course in history or philosophy of science.
View Astronomy degree requirements (PDF) »
Suggested sequence of courses for the B.A. in Astronomy
Semester Term | (1) Fall | (2) Spring | (3) Fall | (4) Spring | (5) Fall | (6) Spring |
(7) Fall |
(8) Spring |
Astronomy |
0113 or 0413 |
1120 or 1263 | 1121 or 1122 | 1120 or 1263 | 1121 or 1122 | |||
Physics | 0174 or 0475 | 0175 or 0476 | 0219 or 0520, 0477 | 0481 | 1310, 1331 | |||
Math | 0220 or 0230 | 0230 or 0240 | 0240 | 0290 | 0280 | |||
Electives | HPS or SPM | Science | Science |
Suggested sequence of courses for the B.A. in Astronomy- Science Communication
Semester Term | (1) Fall | (2) Spring | (3) Fall | (4) Spring | (5) Fall | (6) Spring | (7) Fall | (8) Spring |
Astronomy |
0113 or 0413 |
1120 or 1263 | 1121 or 1122 | 1120 or 1263 | 1121 or 1122 | |||
Physics | 0174 or 0475 | 0175 or 0476 | 0219 or 0520, 0477 | 0481 | 1310, 1331 | |||
Math | 0220 or 0230 | 0230 or 0240 | 0240 | 0290 | 0280 | |||
Electives | HPS or SPM |
ENGCMP 0400 |
Com | Com | Com | Com |
Suggested sequence of courses for the B.A. in Astronomy- Science Breadth
Semester Term | (1) Fall | (2) Spring | (3) Fall | (4) Spring | (5) Fall | (6) Spring | (7) Fall | (8) Spring |
Astronomy |
0113 or 0413 |
1120 or 1263 | 1121 or 1122 | 1120 or 1263 | 1121 or 1122 | |||
Physics | 0174 or 0475 | 0175 or 0476 | 0219 or 0520, 0477 | 1310, 1331 | ||||
Math | 0220 or 0230 | 0230 or 0240 | 0240 | 0290 | 0280 | |||
Electives | HPS | Sci | Sci | Sci | Sci | Sci | Sci |