Combined Major

Physics-Astronomy Major

Department/Program
  • Required Astronomy Courses (22 Credits)
    • Astronomy 177, 178, and 179
    • Two courses chosen from Astronomy 310, 320, and 330
    • At least two credits from Astronomy 310, 320, 330, 350, 360, 380, 391, 392, or 490
  • Required Physics Courses (24 Credits)
    • Physics 145, 155, or 247
    • Physics 156, 245, 255, and 267
    • Two courses chosen from Physics 325, 339, 347, 357, and 385
    • One additional course in Physics numbered between 300 and 480, or the lecture/lab combination of BBMB 324 and 334
  • Required Mathematics Courses (13 Credits)
    • Mathematics 125, 126, 225, and 244
  • Senior Requirements
    • Two-part comprehensive written exam
    • One-hour oral exam conducted jointly
  • Honors
    • Students submit an “Honors in Major Study Application” to their department.
    • Students must submit a proposal for their thesis or project within the first six weeks of the two-semester period in which they are eligible.
    • Accumulated at least 87 credits
    • Completed two semesters of residency at Whitman
    • Major GPA of at least 3.500
    • Complete a written thesis or research project prepared exclusively for the satisfaction of this program.
    • Earn a grade of at least A- on the honors thesis or project and the honors thesis course.
    • Pass the senior assessment with distinction.
    • The department will submit the honors applications to the Registrar’s Office of students pursuing honors by the specified deadline.
    • The department will submit the “Senior Assessment/Major Study Certificate” to the Registrar’s Office no later than Reading Day.
    • An acceptable digital copy of the honors thesis must be submitted to Penrose Library no later than Reading Day.
Total Credits
59