UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
Astronomers study the distant objects in the universe:
planets in our solar system, stars in the galaxy, distant galaxies
and quasars, and the universe as a whole. Their efforts begin with
observations using large telescopes, some on the ground and others
on orbiting satellites. They then infer physical properties and evolution
of the objects using the laws of physics.
The Astronomy and Astrophysics Major
- offers intense introduction to astronomy and allied
fields like physics, mathematics, and computer science
- attracts students with inquisitive minds, high
ability in math and physics, and interest in modern technology
- has a comparatively small student population,
enabling the students to receive close personal attention.
- allows students to participate in world-class
research, in observing, theory, and instrumentation.
- offers introductory astronomy
courses for all Penn State students, most of which satisfy General
Education requirements and advanced courses
for the student majoring in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
A typical
program for a major involves two years of foundation courses,
followed by two years of more specialized courses with emphasis in
physics or computer science. Students beginning at a Commonwealth System
campus should require early Change of Assignment to University Park for
the sophomore year. A significant fraction of our majors are in the
University
Scholars Program. Many students engage in research projects
during the summer or the academic year for income, independent
study credit, or Honors Thesis. Financial aid and
scholarships are available to many majors. Students are encouraged
to pursue their education outside of the Penn State classroom by participating
in the Science
Co-Op and/or Study
Abroad Programs. Our graduates have been successful in entering
good jobs and
graduate schools upon graduation from the major.
To apply for admission to Penn State, contact the Undergraduate Admissions office.
Additional questions regarding the undergraduate program can be directed
via mail, phone, fax, or e-mail to either of the following persons:
Dr. Mercedes Richards, Asst. Head for
the Undergrad. Program
SherryDawn Jackson, Staff
Assistant
Programs
Current Student Information
Career Opportunities
Many of our majors pursue graduate education in astronomy or
allied fields like physics or earth sciences. Recent graduates
have gone to some of the finest graduate programs including the California
Institute of Technology, Yale University, Cornell University, The University
of Chicago, the University of Wisconsin system and the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT). Majors can also enter medical school.
Today, some alumni who continued into graduate school are now
astronomy or physics faculty at institutions like the California Institute
of Technology and University of Hawaii.
Recent graduates who chose to find employment after receiving
their bachelor of science degrees in As&Ap found work in a wide
range of capacities, including:
- industries (including computer software, high-technology
telecommunications, and aerospace companies);
- high schools and universities;
- the armed services;
- astronomical research enterprises like the Allegheny
Observatory, Space Telescope Science Institute, and NASA.
Career Resources
There are many resources to which students
may turn in order to gather information on topics such as:
- exploring career opportunities
- testing career interests
through cooperative education
- choosing a career
path
- developing a job
search strategy
- identifying
prospective employers
- networking
- writing effective
resumes
In addition
to working closely with members of the faculty, students are encouraged
to take advantage of the many career services provided by various University
offices, professional societies, governmental organizations, and so forth. Students can find a wealth of career information in
books, magazines, and other publications. In addition,
there are many useful career related Web sites. Click here
for a partial listing of some of the above mentioned resources.
Summer Research Opportunities
Click here
for a partial listing of summer research opportunities available to undergraduate
students.
University-wide Resources
PSU Registrar's Office
PSU Bursar's Office
PSU Learning Resource Centers
PSU Undergraduate Advising
Handbook
PSU Student Aid Office
eLion
Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics
525 Davey Lab
The Pennsylvania
State University
University Park,
PA 16802
phone: (814-865-0418)
fax : (814-863-2842)
email: Dr. Mercedes
Richards
Page maintained by C. Lutz; updated 9/8/04
