Dual Degree in Physics (BS) and Astronomy and Astrophysics (BS)
As many of the course requirements are similar, careful selection of courses will allow students to earn a dual degree in Physics and Astronomy and Astrophysics with only a modest additional course load. Students who would like to earn a dual degree in Physics (BS, for example, Program I) and Astronomy and Astrophysics (BS) should take at minimum:
Physics:
P221-222, P301, P309, P331-332, P441, P451, P453 plus four additional credits from physics courses (P340, P321, P442, P454, P460 recommended; P460 may be substituted for P451 with permission of the physics advisor).
Mathematics:
M211-212, M311, M343 (or honors equivalents) plus two additional math courses: M301 or M303, M312, M344 or M441-M442, M415 are recommended.
Astronomy:
A221-222, A305, plus two 400-level astronomy courses other than S499.
These courses fulfill all Astronomy and Astrophysics concentration requirements and, simultaneously, Physics concentration requirements of at least 35 credit hours in physics (including the core courses P221,222,301,309,331,441,453,451); 20 credit hours in math (including M211,212,311,343); and 9 credit hours in biological or physical sciences outside of physics, mathematics, and computer science.
In addition to the above courses, students must complete the General Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees and complete the fundamental skills and distribution requirements.
Recommended Schedule for Dual Degree Honors Program Students
Freshman Mathematics M211-M212; Physics P221-P222
Sophomore Astronomy A221-A222; Mathematics M311-M312 and M343; Physics P301, P309, and P321
Junior Astronomy A305 and one 400-level astronomy course; Mathematics M303; Physics P331-P332, P340, P453
Senior One 400-level astronomy course, A305 (if not taken earlier); Physics P441 and P451; and, also, AST-S499, if in the Honors program.
Note to transfer students: Taking the required courses in the proper order is critically important, and it normally takes three years at IU to do so. If you're planning to transfer to IU for upper division coursework in this major, your pathway at IU will be expedited if you receive transfer credit for at least M211-212, P221-222, and for A221-222.
Departmental Honors Program
The honors program is designed for superior students who plan to pursue graduate studies in astronomy and astrophysics. Students wishing to pursue the honors program should contact the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Astronomy during the second semester of their sophomore year or first semester of their junior year. To be admitted to the honors program, students must have an overall GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.3 in their astronomy, mathematics, and physics courses. Students must maintain these GPAs to receive a degree with honors in astronomy and astrophysics. In the honors program, students complete the same requirements as the regular B.S. in astronomy and astrophysics and in addition take Astronomy S499 Honors Research. Astronomy S499 is to be taken one or both semesters during the senior year, counting for 3 credits each time it is taken. Students will carry out research supervised by a faculty member in the department. During the second semester of the senior year, the student will write a research report and make an oral presentation describing the work to the Department of Astronomy in a mini-colloquium. Recent senior theses include research on a wide range of astronomical problems, carried out in close collaboration with faculty.
Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the official source of information regarding College of Arts and Sciences degree requirements is the College of Arts and Sciences web page
