Physics and Astronomy

About the Department

Physics is the present-day equivalent of what used to be called natural philosophy, from which most of modern science arose. It investigates the properties, changes, and interactions of matter and energy. The study of physics does not involve following a recipe; rather, it entails developing an attitude or way of looking at phenomena and asking questions. Physicists seek to understand how the physical universe works, no matter what the scale of observation - from quarks to quasars, from the time it takes a proton to spin around to the age of the cosmos. Awareness of the beauty, harmony, and interplay of the laws of physics greatly enhances our view and appreciation of our environment. Astronomy and astrophysics are physics disciplines that seek to understand the natural world beyond the Earth’s boundaries.

The four degree programs offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy enable a student to prepare for a career in physics or astronomy or for a career in related fields such as engineering, space, energy, biophysics, agriculture, medicine, law, geophysics, meteorology, computer programming, business, etc.

Certificate in Broadcast Meteorology

The American Meteorological Society offers a Certificate in Broadcast Meteorology.  Students can qualify to apply for this certificate by obtaining both the B.A. in meteorology and the concentration in operational meteorology, as well as taking several additional courses.  For details please visit the department for advising.

Certificate in Consulting Meteorology

The American Meteorological Society offers a Certificate in Consulting Meteorology.  Students can qualify to apply for this certificate by obtaining the B.A. in meteorology as well as taking several additional courses.  For details please visit the department for advising.

NOTE: A student cannot receive both the BS in Astrophysics (ASTP) and the BA in Astronomy (ASTR). Please see the Second Bachelor’s Degree  section and the Major Requirements  section for additional information.

Majors

• Astronomy, B.A.  
• Astrophysics, B.S.   
• Meteorology, B.A.  
• Meteorology, Operational Meteorology Concentration, B.A.  
• Physics, B.A.  
• Physics, B.S.  
• Physics, Atmospheric Physics Concentration, B.S.  
• Physics, Computational Neuroscience Concentration, B.A.  
• Physics, Computational Neuroscience Concentration, B.S.  
• Physics, Energy Production Concentration, B.A.  
• Physics, Energy Production Concentration, B.S.  
• Physics-Teacher Education Program (Grades 9-12), B.A.   

Minors

• Astronomy Minor  
• Biomedical Physics Minor  
• Business Applications of Weather and Climate Minor  
• Meteorology Minor  
• Physics Minor