In Astrophysics and Astronomy, you apply the laws of physics to study the universe at the largest scales. You study the lifecycles of stars and the formation and evolution of galaxies, including the supermassive black holes that lurk at their centers; explore the formation and evolution of the universe; and learn about the search for planets around other stars.
The Astrophysics and Astronomy majors will prepare you for graduate study in astrophysics or in physics, astronomy, or for careers in high-tech industries, teaching, and more. The majors provide the strong background in physics and mathematics required for a deep understanding of astrophysical or astronomical phenomena.
Ohio Wesleyan offers two degree options:
All Astrophysics and Physics majors complete a year-long research project during their senior year. This gives them an opportunity to put what they've learned in their classes into practice and helps to prepare them for jobs or graduate school.
Many Astrophysics majors participate in OWU's Summer Science Research Program, and many present their research at undergraduate research forums on campus and across the country.
Rachel Roettenbacker ’08 did research on starspots at OWU before continuing to study them in the graduate astronomy program at the University of Michigan.
The OWU Connection provides a variety of ways for you to expand your learning off campus and overseas.
From your first year on campus, you can take Travel-Learning Courses. You can also pursue OWU Connection Grants to conduct research off campus or spend a semester at another university in the U.S. or abroad.
Professor Bob Harmon's Space Exploration class traveled to England and Germany, including a tour of the European Space Agency's Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications.
Professor Harmon's Travel-Learning Astronomy class visited the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England.
Build your experience and connections to the professional world with internships and research opportunities at major laboratory facilities.
OWU students complete internships and REU's (Research Experience for Undergraduates) at a variety of universities and research centers.
Guillermo Gutierrez '18 double majored in Astrophysics and Politics and Government. He is currently a Science and Strategy Intern at the Radiant Earth Foundation, and an Intern with the American Physical Society.
OWU faculty are outstanding scholars and researchers — and passionate teachers. They will push you, challenge you, inspire you, and work with you on your own research and creative projects.
They can even pack a 3-minute lecture with ideas, insight, and imagination. Check out our unique I³ lectures.
The 10-week Summer Science Research Program gives students the opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research side by side with faculty mentors.
Activities of the Astronomy Club include viewing the cosmos though telescopes at the Student Observatory and Perkins Observatory, and field trips. In the Society of Physics Students, a professional club for students who love physics, students build community, make connections in their field of study, and perform outreach.
After graduating, Alec was accepted into the Ph.D. program in Astronomy at the University of Missouri. While at OWU, Alec participated in a Travel-Learning Course on space exploration, conducted summer research on starspots, and presented at the American Astronomical Society.
Mark Chalmers ’16 was an Astrophysics major and Philosophy minor who worked on an SSRP project with Professor Harmon studying the star LO Pegasi.
Has anyone ever told you that you are star material?
The 2018 Travel-Learning Astronomy class takes a break for some fun in Bristol, England.
Astronomy Travel-Learning class visits Stonehenge.
Amanda K. Jewell '19 spent Summer 2018 on Dr. Harmon's Travel-Learning Course, and researching starspots on OWU's campus through the Summer Science Research Program.
The 2018 Travel-Learning Astronomy class in London.
