The mission of the astronomy program is to contribute to the general education of students from across the university, to prepare students for graduate study in astronomy and astrophysics, to train students for employment in astronomy and related areas, to support astronomical research by faculty and students, and to promote astronomy among the general public. The Department of Physics and Astronomy fulfills this mission by offering a variety of interesting general education courses in astronomy; teaching a range of specialized courses for astronomy majors and minors, along with service courses for other majors; offering a B.S. degree in astronomy; advising students about careers in astronomy; providing observing and computing facilities for research projects; and holding public evenings, tours, and student viewing sessions at the campus observatories.
The mission of the physics program is to provide high quality teaching, to promote research activities by faculty and students, and to serve the university and the community. The program provides for the general education of students; offers a variety of specialized courses for the majors and minors; involves both undergraduate and graduate students in research activities; trains students for careers in science and industry; and prepares students for graduate study in physics, engineering and related sciences. The Department of Physics and Astronomy serves physics students through its general education program, student advising, the extended campus program, the honors program, two B.S. programs (Physics and Physics Teaching), and two M.S. programs (Physics and Physics Education).
