Astronomy & Astrophysics Major

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
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Social Sciences (2 courses)  +
6
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement (Proficiency)  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
33

Free Elective Requirement (3 credits)

Students with an Astronomy & Astrophyiscs primary major have three (3) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 86 credits
  • Core Credits: 33 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 3 credits
  • 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. 

Total Credits:
119

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Fall 2023 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived handbook available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Science

Curriculum Guide

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