The Department of Physics and Astronomy, in the College of Arts and Sciences, offers majors in physics, and preparation for students planning to pursue graduate study in physics or astronomy, through degrees in Applied Physics, Physics-Astrophysics and Meteorology. Students in the Department of Physics and Astronomy may pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. Students in other academic departments may pursue a minor in either Astronomy or Physics. Additionally, physics is offered through the Honors Tutorial College with programs in Physics, Astrophysics, and Engineering Physics. Extracurricular activities for physics majors include the Society of Physics Students and Women in Physics and Astronomy.

The program can be taken with an emphasis in geography, mathematics, or physics. If you choose the geography or mathematics emphasis, contact the Geography Department or the Mathematics Department for advising. The physics/meteorology program has a strong focus on basic physics and mathematics and it is ideally suited for graduate school preparation.

With the B.S. degree in physics/meteorology, a student can get a job as a meteorologist. In addition, this degree prepares students for advanced graduate training in the fields of meteorology, climatology, and atmospheric physics.