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B.S. Degree in Astronomy
The Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy offers two tracks geared toward different career directions. The Astrophysics track provides preparation for advanced studies in astronomy or allied fields after graduation; students acquire the substantial background in physics and math essential for pursuing a research career in astronomy. The Space Sciences track provides preparation for a career in astronomy-related mission support; it requires somewhat less physics and math than the Astrophysics track, and provides more flexibility for pursuing additional coursework suited to the individual student’s goals. Students may change tracks after consultation with and approval by their adviser.

Requirements for both tracks:
ASTRON 228 Stars and Galaxies
ASTRON 191 Freshman Seminar (recommended)
ASTRON 335 Modern Astrophysics
ASTRON 301 Junior Year Writing or PHYSICS 381

Astrophysics Track
ASTRON 452 Galaxies
One additional Astronomy course at the 300-level or greater
MATH 131-132 or 135-136 Calculus I and II
MATH 233 Multivariate Calculus
MATH 331 Ordinary Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers
PHYSICS 181-182 Physics I and Physics II  with labs
PHYSICS 282 Techniques of Theoretical Physics
PHYSICS 284 Modern Physics, 286 Modern Physics Laboratory
PHYSICS 287 Physics III, PHSICS 289 Physics III Lab
PHYSICS 421 Mechanics
PHYSICS 422 Electricity and Magnetism
PHYSICS 423 Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
PHYSICS 424 Modern Physics II
Additional courses, approved by the Astronomy adviser, to reach a total of at least 60 credits in the College of Natural Sciences.

Space Sciences Track
Two additional Astronomy courses at the 200 level or above
One additional Astronomy course at the 300 level or above
MATH 131-132 or 135-136 Calculus I and II
MATH 233 Multivariate Calculus
PHYSICS 151-152 General Physics I and II (with labs) or PHYSICS 181-182 (withy labs)
PHYSICS 284 Modern Physics and 286 Modern Physics Lab,, or PHYSICS 287 Physics III and PHYSICS 289 Lab. III
PHYSICS 281 Introduction to Computational Physics
Two additional 3-credit Physics courses at the 400 level or higher
Additional courses, approved by the Astronomy adviser, to reach a total of at least 60 credits within the College of Natural Sciences.

B.A. Degree in Astronomy
The Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy is intended to be flexible enough for a wide variety of career directions: teaching, museum work, science writing, pre-medical studies, etc. This degree program is aimed at students interested in pursuing a broader understanding of the sciences centered on astronomy, including cross-disciplinary fields such as astrobiology or archaeoastronomy.

This flexibility in the curriculum requires the student to work closely with an adviser to design a program of study that will meet the student’s goals. A written plan should be developed and approved by the junior year.

Requirements
ASTRON 228 Stars and Galaxies
ASTRON 191 Freshman Seminar (recommended)
ASTRON 224 Stellar Astronomy or ASTRON 225 Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy
ASTRON 301 Junior Year Writing or PHYSICS 381
Two additional courses at any level in Astronomy, or in closely related courses offered in other departments.
Upper-division courses: at least 8 additional credits at the 300 level or higher in Astronomy courses or in closely-related courses in other departments.
Introductory Physics (with labs): PHYSICS 131-134 or 151-154
Introductory Calculus: MATH 127-128 or 131-132

Notes
1. ASTRON 100 Exploring the Universe, or 101 The Solar System may be substituted (with permission) for ASTRON 228.
2. “Closely-related courses in other departments” include PHYSICS 116 Relativity, PHYSICS 120 Big Bang to Black Holes, PHYSICS 354 Meteorology, GEO-SCI 354 Climatology, and GEO-SCI 567 Planetary Geology. Other courses may be substituted with written approval of the Astronomy adviser.
3. Up to three credits of independent study in Astronomy may be applied to the major requirements.