Minor in Astronomy and Astrophysics

The astronomy and astrophysics minor builds a working familiarity with astronomical concepts and prepares students for work environments that require scientific, critical and creative thinking and problem solving. With popular courses including Origins of the Cosmos and Stars, Planets and Life in the Universe, this minor complements virtually any course of study.


Declare a Minor

Are you interested in this minor or another program in the Physics Department? Reach out to the Physics Department advisors (phyadvisatgwu [dot] edu) as soon as possible, so they can discuss the program and course of studies with you. It is crucial to do this early, because this minor has built- in prerequisites and many of the upper-level courses are offered once a year or once every two years.


Course Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 18 credits, including 12 credits in required courses and 6 credits in elective courses.

Required
ASTR 1001Stars, Planets, and Life in the Universe
or ASTR 1002 Origins of the Cosmos
ASTR 2121Introduction to Modern Astrophysics
PHYS 1011General Physics I
or PHYS 1021 University Physics I
PHYS 1012General Physics II
or PHYS 1022 University Physics II
Electives
Two courses selected from the following:
ASTR 2131Astrophysics Seminar
ASTR 3141Data Analysis in Astrophysics
ASTR 3161Space Astrophysics