Jul 26, 2024  
2023-2024 University of Wyoming Catalog 
    
2023-2024 University of Wyoming Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Astronomy and Astrophysics, B.S.


The Bachelor of Science in Astronomy & Astrophysics program prepares students for graduate school, or a career in astronomy/astrophysics or a related field. 

University Studies Program


This degree requires that The University Studies Program 2015  requirements are met before graduation. Some of the courses required for this major fulfill USP requirements, but not all. Students should check their degree evaluations and consult with their assigned academic advisor to discuss their specific course plan.

A&S College Core


The BS in Astronomy and Astrophysics requires the A&S Core:

  • D - Diversity (3 credits)
  • G - Global (3 credits)
  •  At least 30 hours in the major subject must be completed with a grade of C or better (the major may require more).
  •   No more than 60 hours in the major subject may be used toward the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

See below for more information:

Additional Description


  • See the “Prerequisite and MPE Cut Score Reference Chart” on the Math Placement website for the most up-to-date math placement equivalencies: http://www.uwyo.edu/mathstats/math-placement/.
  • For declared physics/astronomy majors, the prerequisite of Math 2200 is waived and concurrent enrollment is approved.
  • For declared physics/astronomy majors, the prerequisite of Math 2205 is waived and concurrent enrollment is approved.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in Human Culture requirement courses that correspond to the College of Arts & Sciences Core required US Diversity (ASD) and Global Awareness (G) electives or else they will have to take separate ASD and ASG courses. A list of ASD & ASG courses that transfer is available.

 If intending to apply to graduate school, plan to take the physics GRE by fall semester of the senior year

Additional Requirements


Course sequencing may need to be altered if ACT, SAT or Math Placement scores require a student to take pre-college courses before taking required math or English courses. • Not all courses are offered every semester and some electives may have prerequisites. Students should review course descriptions in the University Catalog and consult with their academic advisor to plan accordingly.

Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate. • Students must complete 42 hours of upper division (3000-level or above) coursework, 30 of which must be from the University of Wyoming. • Courses must be taken for a letter grade unless offered only for S/U. • University Studies Program (USP) Human Culture (H) and Physical & Natural World (PN) courses must be taken outside of the major subject, but can be cross-listed with the major

The Bachelor of Science degree in astronomy and astrophysics is administered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy faculty. Please see the Physics and Astronomy listing in this Catalog for more information.