Minor In Astronomy

This minor is designed to provide students with a background in astronomy that focuses on answering the fundamental questions about our origins that humans have pondered over the ages. Building on an introductory survey of astronomy, students will explore the role that collisions play in altering planetary and stellar environments. The upper level requirements will offer students the choice of focusing on the origin and evolution of stars, our Solar System, our universe, and life elsewhere in the universe.

Minor Requirements (15-19 credits):

Two Lower Level Requirements (6-10 credits)

  1. Completion of a course or sequence that provides an overview of the universe.
    Options include any one of the following:

    1. ASTR 100 (Introduction to Astronomy) (3 credits)
    2. ASTR 101 (General Astronomy) (4 credits)
    3. ASTR 120 and 121 (Astrophysics 1 and 2) (7 credits)
    4. or equivalent transfer course(s)

  2. Completion of ASTR 220 (Collisions in Space) (3 credits)

Upper Level Requirements (9 credits)

Completion of three courses from among the following:

  1. ASTR 300 (Stars and Stellar Systems)
  2. ASTR 330 (Solar System Astronomy)
  3. ASTR 340 (Origin of the Universe)
  4. ASTR 380 (Life in the Universe)
  5. or an upper level astronomy course approved by the advisor.

No course with an earned grade below "C" may count toward a minor. This minor is not open to astronomy, physics, or physical sciences majors. A student may use a maximum of six credits (two courses) to satisfy the requirements of both a major and minor. No more than six of the required credits (two courses) may be taken at an institution other than the University of Maryland, College Park. At least six upper division credits applied to the minor must be taken at this university.

Procedure for Earning the Astronomy Minor:

  • Make an appointment with the Astronomy Minor Advisor in order to fill out the required paperwork for the minor.
  • Complete all course work with a grade of C or better.
  • Any revisions to your program must be approved by the Astronomy Minor Advisor.
  • Receive recognition on your transcript after graduation.

Astronomy Minor Advisor

Grace Deming
CSS 1247
301-405-1562
deming@astro.umd.edu