Astronomy & Astrophysics Major

Degree Type
Bachelor of Science

Chair: Edward L. Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.
Office Location: 456A Mendel Science Center
Telephone: (610) 519-4820
Website

About

The APS Department offers a major in Astronomy & Astrophysics, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The major combines rigorous academic preparation with a strong research component, which usually culminates in the presentation of original research results at national astronomical conferences. The program is designed to prepare students for graduate studies in astronomy and related fields. In addition, and due to the strong and balanced Liberal Arts education, the Astronomy & Astrophysics major provides outstanding preparation for careers in science journalism and science education, as well as for essentially any technically based career. The department also offers a minor in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Research facilities utilized by staff and students in the APS Department include a high-speed computing facility and a suite of computer-controlled telescopes located on the roof of Mendel Science Center. In addition, the Department is a member of the Robotically Controlled Telescope consortium, which operates a 1.3 meter telescope located at Kitt Peak National Observatory. Students also have access, via faculty research programs, to state of-the-art astronomical data from NASA-supported facilities such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope, and a variety of national and international ground-based facilities.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Core Curriculum Requirements (33 credits)

Astronomy & Astrophysics Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Core Math (3 cr)
  • Natural Science (8 cr)
Course
Title
Credits
3
3
6
3
3
Sub-Total Credits
33

Free Elective Requirement (0 credit)

Students with an Astronomy & Astrophyiscs primary major have zero (0) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 89 credits
  • Core Credits: 33 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 0 credit
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Astronomy & Astrophysics as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements.