Astronomy Minor

This minor program introduces students to the fundamentals of astronomy and astrophysics and also allows students some flexibility in their choice of more focused coursework. The required courses cover the following topics :  planets, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and modern astronomical tools.   We have two flavors of the minor, one for those also getting a physics degree, and another for students outside of the physics major.

For further information please contact Professor Mark McConnell.

Credit toward the minor will be given only for courses passed with C- or better, and a 2.0 grade-point average must be maintained in courses for the minor. Courses taken on the pass/fail basis may not be used for the minor. Students should declare their intent to earn a minor as early as possible and no later than the end of the junior year. During their final term, students must fill out an intent to minor and have it signed by the appropriate faculty.

The minor requires a minimum of five courses as detailed in the minor requirements. No more than 8.0 credits (or two courses) used by the student to satisfy major requirements may be used for the minor. Additional courses from the list of course electives may be utilized to meet the five-course minimum.