Astronomy (Minor)
Explore the latest discoveries about Earth's solar system, galaxy and universe. Join the students and faculty in astronomy who are building space-flight hardware, making astronomical observations, discovering new planets, exploring cosmology and engineering new instruments for telescopes and satellites.
Program Description
The astronomy minor is designed for students interested in developing a basic understanding of astronomy and astrophysics and analyzing issues through a scientific viewpoint.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
Program Requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BS in earth and space exploration (astrophysics); BS in astronomical and planetary sciences
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Enrollment Requirements
The minor in astronomy consists of a minimum of 24 credit hours. At least 12 credit hours must be upper-division courses.
Required courses: (8)
AST 113 Astronomy Laboratory I, SQ (1)*
AST 114 Astronomy Laboratory II, SQ (1)*
AST 321 Introduction to Planetary and Stellar Astrophysics, SQ (3)*
AST 322 Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics, SQ (3)*Choose between the course combinations below:
PHY 150 Physics I, SQ (4) or PHY 121 University Physics I: Mechanics, SQ (3) and PHY 122 University Physics Laboratory, SQ (1)*
and
PHY 151 Physics II, SQ (4) or PHY 131 University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism, SQ (3) and PHY 132 University Physics Laboratory II, SQ (1)*
or
PHY 252 Physics III, SQ (4)
Eight credit hours of electives are chosen with the approval of an advisor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration. Electives should consist of upper-division courses in physics and astronomy.
*In order to satisfy SQ natural science general studies requirements, both a lecture and its corresponding laboratory section must be completed.
Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.