UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN ASTROPHYSICS AND PLANTARY SCIENCES
Astronomy and Astrophysics offers a rich area of study, tackling questions such as “Is there life out there among the stars?” and “How old is the Universe?”
We offer an undergraduate major, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics, as well as a minor in Astronomy. We also provide an extensive suite of courses for non-scientists, including courses in meteorology, planetary science, astrobiology and astronomy.
WHY ASTROPHYSICS AND PLANETARY SCIENCES?
Our students answer research questions like "Can food grow on Mars?" and have the chance to work on projects with NASA’s Kepler mission alongside our renowned faculty.
On-site facilities include three 14” telescopes and one 20” telescope, housed in two separate Mendel Science Center observatories, as well as numerous smaller portable telescopes.
Off-site facilities include access to the 50” Robotically-Controlled Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory, via ֱ’s membership in the RCT Consortium. In addition, students regularly have access to new data from the NOAO observatories, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory and other national/international facilities via faculty research programs. Learn more about both our on- and off-site facilities.
The major includes courses in astronomy, physics, mathematics and computer science—providing a comprehensive and robust education that prepares our students for graduate school and their future careers.