• The Bachelor of Science in Astronomy degree offers an in-depth and rigorous treatment of astronomy for students intending to pursue careers in basic science.

    Degree listings here reflect current requirements. Since actual graduation requirements depend on the specific year which a student enters USC, students should always consult with their faculty advisor to determine course selection.

    Year 1

    Freshman

    		 Year 2

    Sophomore

    		 Year 3

    Junior

    		 Year 4

    Senior
    Fall Units Fall Units Fall  Units Fall  Units
    MATH 125 4 MATH 226 4 MATH 445 4 PHYS 408a*

    (FA only)

    		 4
    Foreign Language 4 PHYS 152L 4 PHYS 304*

    (FA only)

    		 4 PHYS 438b*

    (FA only)

    		 4
    GE Requirement 4 Foreign Language 4 ASTR 400*

    (FA of odd years)

    		 4 ASTR 450*

    (FA of even years)

    		 4
    WRIT 150 4 GE Requirement 4 GE Requirement 4 PHYS 492L 4
    PHYS 190*

    (FA only)

    		 2
    Total 18 Total 16 Total 16 Total 16
         
    Spring Units Spring Units Spring Units Spring Units
    PHYS 151L 4 PHYS 153L 4 WRIT 340 4
    MATH 126 4 MATH 225 4 PHYS 438a*

    (SP only)

    		 4 ASTR 422*

    (SP of odd years)

    		 4
    Foreign Language 4 GE Requirement 4 ASTR 424*

    (SP of even years)

    		 4 Elective 4
    GE Seminar 4 Elective 4 GE Requirement 4 Elective 4
    Total 16 Total 16 Total 16 Total 16
    Requirement Listing
    Required Lower Division Courses Units
    PHYS 161 Fundamentals of Physics I 4
    PHYS 162 Fundamentals of Physics II 4
    PHYS 163 Fundamentals of Physics III 4
    PHYS 190 Freshman Colloquium (required) 2
    MATH 125 Calculus I 4
    MATH 126 Calculus II 4
    MATH 226 Calculus III 4
    MATH 225 Linear Algebra and Linear Differential Equations 4
    Required Upper Division Courses Units
    ASTR 400 The Solar System (fall, odd years) 4
    ASTR 422 Galaxies (spring, odd years) 4
    ASTR 424 Cosmology (spring, even years) 4
    ASTR 450 Stellar Astrophysics (fall, even years) 4
    PHYS 304 Mechanics 4
    PHYS 316 Introduction to Thermodynamics and
    Statistical Physics    		 4
    PHYS 408a Electricity and Magnetism 4
    PHYS 438ab Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
    and its Applications    		 4-4
    PHYS 492 Senior Lab 4
    MATH 445 Mathematics of Physics and
    Engineering II    		 4
       
    Total Units 72

     

  • The Bachelor of Arts degree is ideal for students pursuing careers in other fields (e.g. law, finance or business management). This degree provides a strong science background in physics, while allowing the flexibility to pursue a minor or double major.

    Degree listings here reflect current requirements. Since actual graduation requirements depend on the specific year which a student enters USC, students should always consult with their advisor to determine course selection.

    Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
    Fall Units Fall Units  Fall  Units Fall  Units
    MATH 125 4 MATH 226 4 PHYS 304 4 PHYS 492 4
    GE – Social Issues 4 PHYS 162 4 ASTR 400 4 WRIT 340 4
    Foreign Language 4 Foreign Language 4 GE Requirement 4 ASTR 450 4
    WRIT 150 4 GE Requirement 4 Elective 4 Elective 4
    PHYS 190 2
    Total 17 Total 16 Total 16 Total 16
    Spring Units Spring Units  Spring Units Spring Units
    MATH 126 4 MATH 225 4 ASTR 450 4 ASTR 422 4
    PHYS 161 4 PHYS 163 4 PHYS 316 4
    GE Requirement 4 GE Requirement 4 ASTR 424 4 Elective 4
    Foreign Language Elective 4 Elective 4 Elective 4
    Total 16 Total 16 Total 16 Total 12
    Requirement Listing
    Required Lower Division Courses Units
    PHYS 161 Fundamentals of Physics I 4
    PHYS 162 Fundamentals of Physics II 4
    PHYS 163 Fundamentals of Physics III 4
    PHYS 190 Freshman Colloquium (recommended) 2
    MATH 125 Calculus I 4
    MATH 126 Calculus II 4
    MATH 226 Calculus III 4
    MATH 245 Mathematics of Physics and
    Engineering I    		 4
    Required Upper Division Courses Units
    ASTR 400 The Solar System (fall, odd years) 4
    ASTR 422 Galaxies (spring, senior, odd years) 4
    ASTR 424 Cosmology (spring, junior, even years) 4
    ASTR 450 Stellar Astrophysics (fall, senior, even years) 4
    PHYS 304 Mechanics 4
    PHYS 316 Introduction to Thermodynamics and
    Statistical Physics    		 4
    PHYS 492 Senior Lab (fall, senior year) 4
    Total Units 56

     

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