Astrophysics - B.S.

About this Degree

Being part of the Astrophysics program is like being at a small private university. Most of our astrophysics majors get to know each other well and many study together. The student to faculty ratio is relatively small, which enables interested students to interact with faculty members. Historically, many undergraduate majors have done research with faculty members or helped build a satellite in the Small Satellite Research Laboratory.

What you will learn

Three students learning on a laptop Students gain an excellent education in both astronomy and physics. The astronomy curriculum is wide ranging, with courses on planets, cosmology, galaxies, stars (including black holes), and observational astronomy. In the observational astronomy courses, students get hands-on experience with telescopes and data analysis. The physics curriculum is also substantial, providing students with a good foundation in the physical principles relevant to astronomy and other physical sciences. Some students add a few additional physics courses, which enables them to double major in astrophysics and physics. In addition to teaching the content matter, the Astrophysics program also teaches critical thinking and problem solving skills. Some computer programming skills are taught within the department. After graduating, many of our students enter graduate programs in astronomy or physics or land well paid jobs in the technology sector.

Other Academic Information

Department Web site

Course descriptions

Curriculum

Scholarship and Award Information

Linville L. Hendren Memorial Scholarship

The Hendren Scholarship was established in 1967. This $500 award is presented for outstanding proficiency in physics. Because it is a scholarship, it must be given to a student who will continue at UGA the following academic year (i.e., typically a student at the junior level or lower).

Ted L. Simons Memorial Award

The Simons Award, established in 1964, is given to a student who demonstrates outstanding achievement at the junior level. This is a need-based award (verified with the Office of Financial Aid); it carries a stipend of $200, and the recipient's name is inscribed on a plaque displayed in the Physics Building lobby.

Charles H. Wheatley Award

Established in 1952, the Wheatley Award recognizes excellence in physics at the senior level. The award carries a stipend of $200, and the recipient's name is inscribed on a plaque displayed in the Physics Building lobby.

Astrophysics Award

This $200 award has been presented since 1979 to undergraduates for outstanding accomplishments in the Astrophysics major. In recognition, the recipient's name is inscribed on a plaque in the lobby of the Physics Building.

Undergraduate Grants for Research in Physics or Astronomy

These need-based grants were made possible by a generous donation to the department in 2014. The donors' intent is to promote undergraduate research by providing a stipend to students who might not otherwise have the means to pursue such experiences.

The Undergraduate Awards committee will solicit applications from students. In their letter of application, students should describe in detail:

How this need-based award will facilitate the ability to conduct research (e.g., by taking the place of a part-time job, or by providing funds for conference travel);
What impact you anticipate this experience will have on your future plans (graduate school, careers, etc.);
The research project you are or will be working on, and with whom as a research mentor.

Research mentors will also need to provide a letter of support. If needed, the Awards Committee may arrange short interviews with finalists before making a decision.

An amount totaling $1000 for each award will be granted to each of the two students selected from among the applicants. Up to 20% of the award amount MAY be given to the research mentor to help defray costs associated with the research project, if needed; the remainder will be disbursed to the student awardee(s).

Employment Information