Interdisciplinary Astronomy Minor

If you are interested in astronomy but don’t plan to major in it, an Interdisciplinary Astronomy Minor can be a great way to incorporate the field into your existing course of study. The Interdisciplinary Astronomy Minor is designed to give students a basic background covering the breadth of astronomy from stellar and planetary astrophysics to galactic, extragalactic, and cosmology, and an opportunity to explore other areas more in depth. Because the physics and math demands are less intensive, it is often easier for non-science majors to fit an Interdisciplinary Astronomy minor into their degree plan. 

Students interested in this option should meet with an undergraduate advisor to develop a course plan tailored to their goals and interests.

Prerequisites:

The Interdisciplinary Astronomy minor does not have prerequisites per se, although individual courses elected to meet the requirements of the minor may have course prerequisites. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to discuss their plan.

Minor Requirements: 

ID Astronomy Minors are required to take one intro-level course in Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics (three or more credits), one intro-level course in Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics (three or more credits), and two courses (six credits) from 200-level courses. 

Finally, one upper-level course (3 credits at 300-400 level) from outside of Astronomy will be selected as “cognate”. The purpose of the cognate course is to form a bridge between Astronomy and the primary major, to be selected with approval of an Astronomy department advisor. 

Some course exclusions may limit the available introductory Astronomy for those who already took more advanced courses. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to discuss their plan.

Example plans:

For students in non-STEM fields, who have prior highschool-level science (Physics, Earth science, Chemistry, Biology) and Math (precalculus):

• Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics: ASTRO 101 or 115

• Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics: ASTRO 102, 104, 105, or 142

• Astronomy Electives: ASTRO 220, ASTRO 240

• Cognate: a 300 or 400-level course from primary major.

For students with STEM background, or those who have taken PHYSICS 140 (or equivalent, including AP/IB credits): 

• Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics: ASTRO 101 or 115

• Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics: ASTRO 102, 104, 105, or 142 *ASTRO 201 may substitute for this category with advisor permission*. 

• Astronomy Electives: [ASTRO 201, ASTRO 206] or [ASTRO 206, ASTRO 220]

• Cognate: a 300 or 400-level course from primary major.