Astronomy, the oldest of the sciences, originated in the human urge to understand the mysterious lights we see in the sky above us — the Sun, the Moon, the planets, and the stars. Over the centuries, new tools have become available to study these cosmic icons — telescopes that allow us to see further and fainter, detectors that are sensitive to electromagnetic signals at non-visible wavelengths, and satellites that can observe from outside the confines of the Earth’s atmosphere. These tools have answered many questions, but raised even more. How did the Universe begin, and how did the stars and galaxies within it form? How will it end? Are there habitable planets around other stars — and has life emerged on these planets?
The UW Astronomy-Physics program builds on a foundation of classical and modern Physics, to embark on a comprehensive study of the observable Universe at scales extending from planets and stars, through to galaxies and the cosmic web.
- Why should I study Astronomy?
- Why should I pick UW-Madison for an Astronomy-Physics major?
- What can a bachelor's degree from this STEM program do for me?
- Because it’s fascinating: Astronomy speaks directly to our natural urge to better understand our place in the cosmos.
- Because it’s challenging: Astronomy studies objects that are distant beyond simple conception.
- Because it’s adaptable: Astronomy utilizes a broad set of transferable skills, from a foundation in logical and quantitative reasoning through to data analysis, programming and visualization.
Research Universities like the UW-Madison offer undergraduate students the unique opportunity to become involved in forefront research at the cutting edge of science. Beyond developing technical and scientific writing skills, the immersion in a research program in the Astronomy Department at UW-Madison gives students the opportunity to develop a genuine understanding of the process and culture of modern science.
- Prepare you for graduate studies for master’s or doctoral degrees in experimental or theoretical Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics.
- Prepare you for employment in industrial or governmental laboratories.
- Provide a broad background for further work in other sciences, such as materials sciences, aerospace, computer science, geophysics, meteorology, radiology, medicine, biophysics, engineering, and environmental studies.
- Provide a science-oriented liberal education. This training can be useful in some areas of business administration, public policy, law, or other fields where a basic knowledge of science is useful.
- Provide part of the preparation you need to teach Astronomy and Physics. To teach these subjects in high school, you will also take education courses to become certified. You will need a doctoral degree to become a college or university professor.
Considering A Major In Astronomy?
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The Undergraduate Catalog provides information on the Department, the major, requirements for the major, additional recommended courses, and Honors in the Major
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The Course Guide includes complete astronomy course information (semester last taught, prerequisites, level, breadth and credit type)
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NOTE: Astronomy majors should take the required 200-level physics classes before taking the range of 300-level upper level courses. Some 500-level graduate courses are open to undergraduate enrollment with instructor consent.
Declare The Astronomy Major:
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Before declaring the Astronomy major, students must complete the first two of the three intro sequence physics classes: Physics 247, 248, and 249, or Physics 207, 208, and 241, or Physics 201, 202, 235.
- Meet with the Astronomy-Physics Advisor, Evan Heintz first to discuss requirements.
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Then, email one of the Undergraduate Faculty Advisors, Prof. Snezana Stanimirovic (4514 Sterling Hall) or Professor Ke Zhang (6th floor Sterling Hall), to schedule an appointment to declare the major. Feel free to reach out to either of them if you need advising.