BS in Physics and Astronomy

The BS in physics and astronomy degree is intended primarily for students with an interest in astronomy or related aspects of space science. It provides the solid foundation in physics needed for such careers, and also provides a background in astronomy.

A grade average of C or better in the required science courses is required in this program.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Introductory physics: 0174, 0175, 0219; or 0475, 0476, 0520.
  2. Introductory astronomy: 0113.
  3. Additional physics: 0477, 1310, 1321, 1331, 1341, 1351, 1370.
  4. Additional astronomy: 1120, 1121, 1122, 1263
  5. Choose 7 credit hours of laboratory courses: PHYS 0525, 1361, 1426.
  6. Mathematics: 0220, 0230, 0240, 0280, 0290; or the corresponding honors courses.
  7. Choose 3 credit hours of science electives: CHEM 0110, 0120, 1410, CS 0401, 0445, GEOL 0040, 1410, 1701, MATH 1470, 1550, 1560, PHYS 0481, 1371, 1372, 1373, 1378, STAT 1151, 1152.

Two areas of concentration are available for the BS in Physics and Astronomy.  Graduate School Preparation is recommended for students who are planning to apply to a graduate program in physics or astronomy.  Education is intended for students who are planning to have a teaching career in secondary education.

View Physics and Astronomy degree requirements (PDF) »

Graduation Requirements - Graduate School Preparation

  1. Introductory physics: 0174, 0175, 0219; or 0475, 0476, 0520.
  2. Introductory astronomy: 0113.
  3. Additional physics: 0477, 1310, 1321, 1331, 1341, 1351, 1370, 1371, 1372, 1373.
  4. Additional astronomy: 1120, 1121, 1122, 1263
  5. Choose 7 credit hours of laboratory courses: PHYS 0525, 1361, 1426.
  6. Mathematics: 0220, 0230, 0240, 0280, 0290; or the corresponding honors courses.
  7. Choose 3 credit hours of science electives: CHEM 0110, 0120, 1410, CS 0401, 0445, GEOL 0040, 1410, 1701, MATH 1470, 1550, 1560, PHYS 0481, 1378, STAT 1151, 1152.

Graduation Requirements - Education

  1. Introductory physics: 0174, 0175; or 0475, 0476.
  2. Introductory astronomy: 0113.
  3. Additional physics: 0477, 1310, 1331, 1351.
  4. Additional astronomy: 1120, 1121, 1122
  5. Choose 8 credit hours of laboratory courses: ASTRON 1263, PHYS 0219 or 0520, 0525, 1361, 1426.
  6. Mathematics: 0220, 0230, 0240, 0280, 0290; or the corresponding honors courses.
  7. Chemistry: 0110, 0120.
  8. Choose 3 credit hours of science electives: PHYS 0481, 1341, 1370.
  9. Education related courses: PSYED 1001, ADMPS 1001, IL 1430, IL 1580.

Suggested sequence of courses for the B.S. in Physics and 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   1321, 1351 1310, 1331, 1341 1361, 1370  
Math 0220 or 0230 0230 or 0240 0240, 0290 0280        
Electives               Science

Suggested sequence of courses for more advanced students

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 0475 0476 0520, 0477 1331 1321, 1351, 1370 1310, 1341 1361  
Math 0230 0240, 0280 0290          
Electives               Science

Suggested sequence of courses for the B.S. in Physics and Astronomy- Graduate School Preparation

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   1321, 1351, 1361 1310, 1331, 1341 1370, 1373 1371, 1372
Math 0220 or 0230 0230 or 0240 0240, 0290 0280        
Electives                

Suggested sequence of courses for more advanced students

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 0475 0476 0520, 0477 1331 1321, 1351, 1370 1310, 1341, 1371 1361, 1373 1372
Math 0230 0240, 0280 0290          
Electives                

Suggested sequence of courses for the B.S. in Physics and Astronomy- Education

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   1351 1310, 1331 1361  
Math 0220 or 0230 0230 or 0240 0240, 0290 0280        
Electives CHEM 0110 CHEM 0120   Science     Ed Ed