Degree Options:
Michigan Astronomy offers two major and two minor programs:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics major — a physics-intensive path for those planning a graduate degree in Astronomy or a related field and a career in academia and/or research, or a career in the high-tech / STEM industry.
- Interdisciplinary Astronomy major — intended as a second major for students seeking to add astronomy content to their primary degree, provides substantive astronomy foundation for graduate studies and career paths that benefit from synergy between Astronomy with another STEM field, or for careers like teaching, science writing, science policy, and outreach.
- Astronomy and Astrophysics minor – similar in its Astronomy scope to the Interdisciplinary major, the A&A minor provides substantive astronomy foundation rich in math and physics. Most of the students who declare this minor are pursuing a degree in Engineering or schools other than LSA.
- Interdisciplinary Astronomy minor – for students who are interested in adding astronomy to their degree, with less demanding physics and math requirements. It provides introductory level background in stellar and planetary astrophysics, galactic and extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology, and an opportunity to explore other areas more in depth.
Which track you choose depends on your career goals and inclination for math and physics. If you are thinking of an Astronomy major or minor, you should meet with an undergraduate advisor as soon as you begin considering it. This helps ensure you plan for the right courses and can take advantage of all the opportunities the department has to offer.
Astronomy also offers general-interest courses for students from other majors seeking to fulfill their science requirements while learning about the field. See the Undergraduate Course Description page for more information.
