BA in Astronomy

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

  1. Introductory physics: 0174, 0175, and 0219 or the corresponding honors courses.
  2. Introductory astronomy: 0113
  3. Two of the following upper-level courses: Astronomy 1120, 1121, 1263; Geology 1701.
  4. Mathematics: 0220, 0230, 0240; or the corresponding honors courses.
  5. Additional physics: 0479, 0481, 1310.
  6. 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