Future Students

Academics

Astronomy

College of Sciences


 

QUICK JUMP
  Astronomy
  Requirements and Core Courses
  Departmental Facilities
  Careers
  Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Related Field of Study That Might Interest You
  Contact Information

Astronomy

Astronomy is the study of the universe beyond the earth—stars, solar systems, and galaxies. Astronomy probes fascinating questions such as how the universe began, how it will end, whether black holes really exist, and the fate of the sun. New discoveries are made every day in the field—like gravitational lenses, gamma-ray bursters, quasars, and extra-solar planets—with tools such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory.
• Offered at WSU: Minor
• Available at: Pullman

Requirements and Core Courses

Astronomy minor
The program in astronomy offers a 19-hour minor. Because of the prerequisites for required courses in the minor, students who wish to minor in astronomy find that a major in chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, or physics is a good match. However, it is possible to minor in astronomy along with any other major, provided the necessary prerequisites are taken.

COURSES IN THE MINOR PROGRAM
Astr 345—Principles of Astronomy
Astr 435 & 436—Astronomy and Astrophysics I & II
Math 273—Calculus III
Phys 303—Modern Physics I
Astr 390—The Night Sky
     or Astr 490—Undergraduate Thesis
     or Astr 499—Special Problems
Geol 103—The Solar System
     or Astr 135—Astronomy
     or Hist 381—Science in Western Civilization Through Newton

(Prerequisites for various required astronomy courses include Math 220-Introductory Linear Algebra , Math 171 and 172-Calculus I and II, and Phys 201 and 202-Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and II.)

NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate. Consult with your academic advisor.

Departmental Facilities

The WSU Planetarium and the Jewett Observatory, which has the largest refracting telescope in the state of Washington, a 12-inch Alvin Clark & Sons, are available to students in astronomy courses. The department provides hand-held telescopes, too.

Careers

Students who earn an astronomy minor may choose to pursue further studies in other sub-fields of science or engineering. Those who minor in this program may also continue in astronomy to prepare for careers with NASA or planetariums, or as teachers, writers, researchers, or professors. Knowledge of astronomy also applies to careers in navigation, space flight, and aerospace. A few graduates have found jobs in the finance industry, where they are valued for their skill with mathematical models of real situations.

Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• An inquisitive mind
• Strong mathematics skills
• Imagination
• Ability to work on your own

Scholarships and Financial Aid

A variety of scholarships and financial aid are available to assist qualified students with education costs. For information, consult the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the College of Sciences, the University Office of Student Financial Aid (509-335-9711), or the Office of Scholarship Services (509-335-1059).

Related Field of Study That Might Interest You

• Astrophysics option in the physics major

Contact Information
Astronomy Program
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Webster Physical Sciences
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-2814
gworthey@wsu.edu
509-335-4994
 

Strengths of the Program

  • Study with faculty who are noted for their work with the Laser Interferometic Gravitational-Wave-Observatory, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, and NASA’s Space Interferometry Mission.
  • Collaborate with astronomy faculty on research projects
  • Learn to use the refracting telescope at the campus observatory, as well as the University’s planetarium.
  • You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us