Astronomy
Why Astronomy at Valpo?
Grounded in research, we radiate discovery. Our undergraduate astronomy program is one of the few in the Midwest, bringing specialized concentrations, cutting-edge research facilities, and personalized faculty mentorships into one unique educational experience. Here, our students aren’t just observers; they’re active participants, researchers, and astronomers – starting day one.
Our 124-credit bachelor of science in astronomy takes residence in and out of the classroom. Valpo astronomy majors wield a 16-inch telescope out of our own campus observatory, engage in student and faculty research initiatives, and remotely access telescopes in Arizona, Chile, and the Canary Islands through our SARA Consortium. Faculty also have access to major telescopes – like the Hubble and Gemini – and regularly obtain grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and other organizations.
This unique access to professional-grade equipment, real-world problem solving, and ground-breaking research brings cosmos that much closer, allowing our astronomy students to explore the vastness of the universe as they shine right here on their home planet.
Astronomy Highlights
100%
of Valpo astronomy students engage in experiential learning opportunities, from paid internship opportunities to intensive capstone research projects.
3 in-depth concentrations
Astrophysics, public science, and space sciences enhance the Valpo astronomy major and align the stars with your career aspirations.
National Conferences
Students regularly travel to and present research at national conferences, giving them not only the platform to showcase their findings, but also the opportunity to network with professional astronomers.
Astronomy Major Requirements
There are no prerequisites for first-year students enrolled in Valpo’s astronomy program; however, first-year students must be prepared to take Calculus I (MATH 131).
Transfer students entering the program during their second year should have taken at two previous semesters of calculus-based physics and labs.
The Valparaiso University Experience – also known simply as VUE – is our University-wide general education core. In VUE, students of all majors build up skills in communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Grounded in those pillars, our astronomy students are ready to take their wonder and understanding of the galaxy even farther.
Depending on their post-graduate goals, Valpo astronomy students can choose one of two paths for their major: a graduate school sequence tailored for those who wish to pursue a graduate-level degree or a non-graduate school pathway for those who plan on directly entering the field upon graduation.
Students can also choose to add one of three concentrations to their astronomy major for optimal career readiness:
- The astrophysics concentration is designed for students who dream of exploring the universe’s fundamental questions. By graduation, students with this concentration will be prepared for advanced astrophysics research and the physical-mathematical principles that govern the stars.
- Our space science concentration focuses on the rapidly expanding space industry, emphasizing satellite technology, space exploration, and aerospace innovation.
- The public science concentration is perfect for students who aim to inspire others through science communication, translating complex concepts into compelling narratives. This is recommended for students seeking careers in education, outreach, and science journalism.
| Astronomy Core: 34 Credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 101 | Astronomy | 3 Cr. |
| ASTR 101L | Astronomy Laboratory | 1 Cr. |
| ASTR 221 | Observational Astronomy | 1 Cr. |
| ASTR 252 | Introduction to Stellar Astronomy | 3 Cr. |
| ASTR 253 | Introduction to Galactic Astrophysics, And Cosmology | 3 Cr. |
| ASTR 445 | Senior Research in Astronomy | 1 Cr. (2 credits) |
| PHYS 141 | Newtonian Mechanics | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 141L | Experimental Physics I | 1 Cr. |
| PHYS 142 | Electricity, Magnetism, & Waves | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 142L | Experimental Physics II | 1 Cr. |
| PHYS 243 | Modern Physics | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 245 | Advanced Lab 1 | 1 Cr. |
| PHYS 246 | Data Analysis in Physics & Astronomy | 1 Cr. |
| PHYS 250 | Mechanics | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 314 | Writing in Physics and Astronomy | 2 Cr. |
| PHYS 360 | Thermal Physics | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 499 | Physics Colloquium | 0 Cr. |
| Courses Recommended For Students Intending to Pursue Graduate Study in Astronomy or Astrophysics: 9 Credits | ||
| PHYS 371 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 381 | Advanced Mechanics | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 421 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 Cr. |
| Additional Recommended Courses: 12 Credits | ||
| One year of Chemistry | ||
| CS 157 | Algorithms and Programming | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 490 | The Scientific Endeavor | 3 Cr. |
Astronomy Career Outcomes
Valpo’s astronomy program prepares students to radiate in a variety of related professions. For astronomers specifically, the 2023 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean salary of $128,000 in 2023.
Careers in Astronomy:
- Astronomer
- Astrophysicist
- Space scientist
- Defense specialist
- Science communicator
- Educator
- Information technology (IT) specialist
- Researcher
- Astronomy facilities technologist
Many of Valpo’s astronomy graduates go on to pursue graduate-level degrees, shining brightly in distinguished programs at Yale University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Notre Dame, and others.
