Dec 11, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Physics (B.S.) with Concentration In Astronomy


Program: B.S.
Department of Physics
College of Science

Kettler Hall 126B ~ 260-481-6306


Astronomy and astrophysics are the endeavor to understand the universe and to explain the origin of celestial objects and phenomena.  It involves both planetary science (EAPS) and stellar science.  The astrophysics track will require spectroscopy and instrumentation classes in addition to the astronomy core classes.


Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree, students will:

  • have skills that can lead to a career in astronomy, optics, data analysis or software; or for pursuing graduate education in physics, astronomy or engineering.

Program Delivery:

  • This program is available on-campus

Declaring this Major:

  • Declare this major within the Department of Physics

General Requirements:

  • PFW General Education Requirements 
  • PFW Civics Literacy Proficiency Requirement 
  • PFW College of Science Information 
  • PFW Academic Regulations 

To earn the B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above.

Program Requirements:


Physics Astronomy 4-Year Plan:  

Physics with Astrophysics Track 4-Year Plan:  

  • PHYS 15200 must be repeated if a grade of C- or below is received
  • A grade of C- or above in all supporting courses is required
  • A maximum of one grade below C- is allowed except for in supporting courses
  • A GPA of 2.00 or higher for all courses taken for the major 

General Education Requirements: Credits 33


Some majors may require particular General Education courses as specified in their program description.  Up to six credits of approved General Education courses satisfying requirements in Areas A and B, and three credits satisfying requirements in Area C, may originate in the major.  A grade of C- or higher in each course, and an overall GPA of 2.0 is required to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements.

English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6


  • ENGL 23301 (or a college-approved equivalent: ENGL 20201, HIST 21700, ILCS 30000, POL 20700, or WOST 23000).  This course is in addition to the General Education writing course (ENGL 13100 or equivalent).
  • COM 11400 (or the college-approved equivalent: HIST 12500).

Language: Credits 6


Two courses at the first-year level in a single International Language or in American Sign Language (or demonstrate equivalent proficiency).  

Note:  if you begin these courses at PFW at the second-semester level or higher, you and your advisor are eligible to apply for special course credits after successful completion of the course into which you placed.  Non-native English speaking students and those with other language transfer credits should contact the College’s Student Success Center.

Additional Laboratory/ Research Requirements: Credits 2


A combination of the following totaling 2 credits:

Concentration in Astronomy


Total Credits: 120


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for ensuring that you satisfy all graduation requirements specified for each selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career.  If you cannot complete all program requirements by your stated graduation date but fail to remove those from your plan of study, the Registrar’s Office in consultation with your academic advisor will remove unmet pursuits from your plan of study. Changing curricular records during the graduation term of application may affect state or federal financial aid awards. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.