Astronomy and Astrophysics (BS)

Astronomy and Astrophysics is the study of planets, stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole, including how these originate and how they evolve in time. The principal pursuits of the astronomer are to extend our understanding of the physical nature of the universe and to convey this understanding to students and the general public.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics offered by the Ohio State University is excellent preparation for graduate study in astronomy and other physical sciences, as well as a solid grounding for becoming a teacher in the physical sciences at the primary and secondary levels.

About 1/3 of graduates undertake advanced study in physics, astronomy or other disciplines, while many others have found that the degree has prepared them for rewarding careers in many technical fields.

For more information visit the Department of Astronomy website or view the university's major curriculum sheet.

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Individuals with MS and BS degrees in astronomy and astrophysics may also find employment at observatories, planetariums, science museums and in industry where they may assist in computational and observational research programs or participate in public education programs. At least one Ohio State astronomy alumna used her training as a stepping-stone to a career in science journalism.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Astronomy is an observational, not an experimental, science. With only a few exceptions (meteorites and moon rocks), we cannot actually touch celestial objects and are totally dependent upon incoming radiation from space.

Astronomy department website More Astronomy courses

Observations over the entire electromagnetic spectrum (gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwave, and radio waves) are collected with both earth-based and space telescopes and analyzed using the tools of modern theoretical physics. The heart of the prospective astrophysicist's education consists of a firm grounding in physics plus the advanced mathematics at the core of the physics.

courses you might take:

2291: Basic Astrophysics and Planetary Astronomy

Motions and physical nature of objects in the solar system; electromagnetic radiation, telescopes and astronomical detectors.

2292: Stellar, Galactic, & Extragalactic Astronomy & Astrophysics

Observational and physical properties of the sun and stars; stellar structure and evolution; interstellar medium; galaxies & cosmology.

3350: Methods of Astronomical Observation & Data Analysis

Astronomical observation techniques and quantitative analysis of astronomical data; practical experience with modern astronomical instrumentation and computer-based reduction, analysis and interpretation of astronomical data.

5681: Principles of Stellar Evolution & Nucleosynthesis

Physics of stellar structure, evolution and nucleosynthesis.

5682: Introduction to Cosmology

Structure and evolution of the Universe

Beyond the Classroom

Astro Coffee

Each morning at 10:30 a.m. students, postdocs and faculty meet, discuss and debate up-to-the-minute astronomical developments.

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Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) in Astrophysics offers full-time, paid summer research positions in astrophysics with a faculty member of the Department of Astronomy and/or Physics.

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Astronomical Society

Members of this student organization are exposed to many of the subfields of astrophysics: cosmology, planetary astronomy, active galactic nuclei, stellar astronomy, etc. It provides an academic and social connection between undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty. Email astrosocietyosu@gmail.com for more info.

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