This program is intended to provide the combination of fundamental physics and general and advanced astronomy required for a career in astronomy or a related area. It also has the flexibility required by students who wish to pursue interdisciplinary studies or prepare for careers in teaching or other professions requiring a fundamental understanding of the physical sciences.

Early coursework provides a foundation in the areas of mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism. These topics help students understand the underlying rules that govern our modern world and the inner workings of technology that we use on a daily basis. Students then learn how to apply these fundamentals of physics to observations of the universe. They will learn about a range of topics, including planets, stars, galaxies, the beginning of the universe, and its ultimate fate; students will also analyze the evidence supporting our understanding of these topics.