Overview
Students studying astronomy use the principles of physics to understand the universe itself. Learn about the origin, evolution, and properties of moons, planets, stars, galaxies, and beyond.
The Astronomy Minor is designed to be accessible to any major at Trinity. Students minor in Astronomy if they want to go on to study Astrophysics, Astronomy, or similar disciplines in graduate school or work on space science instrumentation.
Fast Facts
- Faculty prioritize undergraduates. No graduate students or TAs.
- Extensive labwork and hands-on tech opportunities in Trinity’s $127-million Center for the Sciences and Innovation.
- Students take regular trips to McDonald observatory
What You'll Study
A Wide Scope
Set your sights on the stars
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Program Curriculum
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Refer to the Courses of Study Bulletin for full program requirements.
Suggested Roadmaps:
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Search for Classes
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Summer and Fall 2020 Schedule: Use Search for Sections in TigerPAWS for the most current class offering information.
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Courses of Study Bulletin
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Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must fulfill the requirements for a major as listed in the courses of study bulletin. The courses of study bulletin is the official source of information regarding degree requirements, academic policies, and academic majors and minors at Trinity University.
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Pathways Curriculum
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Students must complete the Pathways Curriculum in order to receive a baccalaureate degree. The Pathways Curriculum has six curricular requirements, and three optional elements that provide the foundation in the liberal arts and sciences for all the bachelor’s degrees awarded by Trinity University. Through these requirements, students acquire the necessary skills and disciplinary perspectives to navigate complex questions at Trinity and in their post-graduate lives.
Observational Astronomy
Strengthen telescope skills and work with celestial coordinates and time systems. Make visual observations of the sun, moon, planets and their satellites, stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
Astrophysics
Apply physics towards understanding stars and stellar evolution, astrophysical sources of radiation, compact objects, and gravitational lensing.
Solar System Astronomy and Stars and Galaxies
Introductory courses that serve as the foundation of the major. Students study the nature of our Solar System and the life cycle of stars.
View all courses
For more information and a description of each class please visit the COSB website.
Faculty
Making Waves
Our faculty blend cutting-edge research programs you’d expect to find at a larger school with the personal mentorship of a small, liberal arts university. And with no graduate students competing for faculty attention, our commitment to undergraduate achievement is paramount.
Student Opportunities
Push boundaries through research, international discovery, and achievement
Semmes Scholarship
Trinity University selects two or three outstanding incoming first-year students to be Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science...
Students participate in one-on-one, cutting-edge research in astronomy with faculty, researching topics ranging from black holes and star formation to...
More than 45 percent of Trinity students study abroad.
$127-million Center for the Sciences and Innovation provides 280,000 square feet of cutting-edge lab and classroom space. Our on campus roof-top...
Trinity houses an active chapter of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma and is active in TWIST (Trinity Women in Science and Technology...
When You Graduate
Stars in their Field
Tigers are skilled researchers, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. Their liberal arts background helps them stand out in either professional fields or graduate school.
Careers
Graduates with the astronomy minor have pursued a wide range of professions including postgraduate studies in meteorology, space science, geosciences, and service in the U.S. military.
Graduate Schools or Programs:
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Meteorology
- Planetary Science
Career Areas:
- Engineering
- Geosciences
- Physics
Take the next step
Have more questions or want more information? Learn more about becoming a Tiger, and how you can accelerate what’s next for your education.