Why study physics and astronomy?
Our goal is to understand the physical universe. The questions addressed by our department’s research and education missions range from the applied, such as an improved understanding of the materials that can be used for solar cell energy production, to foundational questions about the nature of mass and space, how the Universe was formed and subsequently evolved, and how astrophysical phenomena affected the Earth and its evolution. We study the properties of systems ranging in size from smaller than an atom to larger than a galaxy on timescales ranging from billionths of a second to the age of the universe. Our courses and laboratory/research experiences help students hone their problem solving and analytical skills and thereby become broadly trained critical thinkers. While about half of our majors move on to graduate studies in STEM, many find employment in the private sector in diverse situations ranging from financial analysts to physicians. Graduates of all our degree programs can be found in key positions regionally, nationally, and internationally. In this way, our department is at the forefront of telling the academic story of the University of Kansas to people around the state and around the world.
Undergraduate programs in astronomy
Astronomy degrees are offered through the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The astronomy curriculum offers undergraduates a survey of modern astronomy and an introduction to physical science, gives science and engineering students an introduction to astronomy and astrophysics, and prepares students majoring in astronomy for graduate study in astronomy or related fields.
Courses for Nonmajors
ASTR 191 surveys a wide range of contemporary astronomy topics. ASTR 394
is open to students with previous coursework in astronomy, biology, or geology; ASTR 391
offers an introduction to physical astronomy at a calculus-based level.
Undergraduate Admission
Admission to KU
All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements.
Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of Admissions website.
Advising
Students considering a major in astronomy should confer early with a departmental representative about the selection of courses. The B.A. degree is appropriate for students who want a general education in astronomy as part of a broadly structured liberal education. The B.S. is a more specialized program with a substantial emphasis on physics content as well as astronomy. It provides preparation for a professional career or graduate work in astronomy, astrophysics, or related fields. A total of 120 credit hours is required for graduation.
Requirements for the B.A. Major in Astronomy
All students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy must complete the KU Core requirements and the College BA specific requirements, listed in the KU Core and College sections of the catalog.
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses (above), majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours
Satisfied by 25.5 hours of major courses.
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior (300+) Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 16 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior (300+) Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Below is a sample 4-year plan for students pursuing the BA in Astronomy. To view the list of courses approved to fulfill KU Core Goals, please visit the KU Core website.
This degree plan assumes students will have completed MATH 104, or equivalent prior to the freshman year, fall semester.
| Freshman |
|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
|---|
| ENGL 101 (Goal 2.1 Written Communication/BA Writing I)1 | 3 | ENGL 102 (Goal 2.1 Written Communication/BA Writing II) | 3 |
| Goal 1.1 Critical Thinking | 3 | Goal 2.2 Communication | 3 |
| CHEM 130 or 190 (Goal 3 Natural Science, BA Lab, Major Pre-requisite)2 | 5 | MATH 126 (Major Pre-requisite) | 4 |
| MATH 125 (Major Pre-requisite) | 4 | PHSX 211
& PHSX 216 (Major Requirement), or | 5 |
| PHSX 150 (Major Requirement) | 0.5 | | |
| | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours5 | 3 |
| | 15.5 | | 18 |
| Sophomore |
|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
|---|
| Goal 3 Arts and Humanities | 3 | ASTR 391 (Major Requirement SPRING ONLY) | 3 |
PHSX 212
& PHSX 236 (Major Requirement), or | 4 | Goal 3 Social Science | 3 |
| | 2nd Semester Language (BA Second Language) | 5 |
| 1st Semester Language (BA Second Language) | 5 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours5 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours5 | 3 | |
| | 15 | | 14 |
| Junior |
|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
|---|
| ASTR 591 (Major Requirement )4 | 3 | ASTR 592 (Major Requirement )4 | 3 |
| ASTR Elective (Major Requirement)3,4 | 3 | Goal 5 Social Responsibility & Ethics | 3 |
| Goal 4.1 US Diversity | 3 | 4th Semester Language, or 1st semester of Another Language (BA Second Language)6 | 3 |
| 3rd Semester Language (BA Second Language) | 3 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours5 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours5 | 3 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours5 | 1 |
| | 15 | | 13 |
| Senior |
|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
|---|
| ASTR 596 (Major Requirement)4 | 3 | PHSX 503 (Major Requirement, Goal 6 Integration & Creativity)4 | 3 |
| ASTR Elective (Major Requirement)3,4 | 3 | Elective or possible minor course 300+ (Total Hours) | 3 |
| Goal 4.2 Global Awareness | 3 | Elective or possible minor course 300+ (Total Hours) | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours | 3 | Elective or possible minor course 300+ (Total Hours) | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours | 3 | Elective or possible minor course 300+ (Total Hours) | 3 |
| | 15 | | 15 |
| Total Hours 120.5 |
Please note:
All students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are required to complete 120 total hours of which 45 hours must be at the Jr/Sr (300+) level.
The same course cannot be used to fulfill more than one KU Core Goal. However, overlap of a KU Core course with a major or degree-specific requirement is allowed. Overlapping is recommended to allow more opportunities to explore other majors and/or minors.
Departmental Honors in Physics and Astronomy
Qualified students earning either a B.A. or a B.S. degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in astronomy or physics may graduate with Honors in Physics & Astronomy by fulfilling the following requirements: (1) By the end of the candidate's final semester, achieve a GPA of 3.5 in the major, in all courses taken in residence and elsewhere; and (2) Complete at least 24 semester hours of astronomy and physics courses numbered 500 or above, including undergraduate research represented by two hours of credit in ASTR 501, ASTR 503, PHSX 501 or PHSX 503. A grade of B or better must be earned in one of the following: ASTR 501, ASTR 503, PHSX 501 or PHSX 503. All of our department’s honors requirements include student research, for which results shall be presented in either: (1) a written research summary, read by 3 faculty members in physics and astronomy or related fields or authorship on a peer-reviewed manuscript; or (2) a research-based oral presentation at an appropriate venue (e.g., Undergraduate Research symposium, a presentation in an advanced department seminar class, a discipline specific meeting); or (3) presentation of a poster at an appropriate venue. Students planning to graduate with honors in physics and astronomy must file a Declaration of Intent Form with the Departmental Honors Coordinator, preferably during their junior year but no later than enrollment for the final undergraduate semester.
