Bachelor of Arts

Physics-Astronomy Combined Major

Program

Total Credits Requirements for a Physics-Astronomy Combined Major

    • 22 credits in astronomy
    • 24 credits in physics
    • 13 credits in mathematics and statistics
  • Required Courses
    • Astronomy 177, 178, 179,
    • Two courses from Astronomy 310, 320, 330
    • At least two credits from: Astronomy 310, 320, 330, 350, 360, 380, 391, 392 or 490
    • Physics 145 or 155 or 347
    • Physics 156, 245, 255, and 267
    • Two courses from Physics 325, 339, 347, 357, 385
    • One physics course 300-480 or BBMB 324 and 334
    • Mathematics 225 and 244

Required Courses

Item #
Title
Credits
3
Sub-Total Credits
59

Other notes

  • If students place out of Physics 155, they must take Physics 347
  • Physics 347 may not be used to satisfy multiple requirements
  • Additional physics courses, Computer Science 167, Mathematics 240, 367, and 368 are recommended
  • No courses may be taken PDF

Senior Requirements

  • Senior assessment consisting of a
    • Two-part comprehensive written examination
    • One-hour oral exam conducted jointly

Honors

  • Students submit a Honors in Major Study Application to their department
  • Students must submit a proposal for their thesis or project
  • Must be submitted within the first six weeks of the two-semester period in which student is eligible
  • Accumulated at least 87 credits
  • Completed two semesters of residency at Whitman.
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.300 on all credits earned at Whitman College
  • 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 submit “Senior Assessment/Major Study Certificate” to the Registrar’s Office no later the Reading Day
  • An acceptable digital copy of the Honors Thesis must be submitted to Penrose Library no later than Reading Day
Total Credits
59