Bachelor of Science
in Physics and Astronomy

Bachelor of Science
in Physics and Astronomy

Program Overview

Explore the Universe and Understand the World with a Physics and Astronomy major.

Engage your curiosity and deepen your scientific understanding with Youngstown State University’s Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy.  

From quantum mechanics to galaxies far away, our bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy extends your knowledge and prepares you to redefine what is possible in this exciting field. Led by dedicated faculty members, discover the realms of pure and applied physics, astronomy, and astrophysics. You’ll also work alongside these experts on leading-edge research projects and study as an astronomy and physics major within one of the largest planetariums in Ohio.  

You’ll leave equipped with the knowledge and know-how to take on research-oriented careers—or pursue advanced degrees in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics.  

Pursue a Physics or Astronomy Minor

Beyond our astronomy and physics major, YSU students can pursue expertise in the field by choosing one of our two minors. Both minors are 18 credit hours and provide you with a robust understanding of core principles in your chosen area.  

  • Astronomy
    • Learn about the latest discoveries within our solar system, galaxy, and university. Courses will include Astrophysics 1 and 2, Observational Astronomy 1 and 2, Moon and Planets, and a research project. 
  • Physics
    • Gain a greater grasp for the world around you as you study the physical concepts involved in both engineering and science. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialize this minor in courses such as Classical Mechanics and Dynamics, Electromagnetic Field Theory, and more
Physics & Astronomy - Request More Information
Thank you for your interest in our Physics & Astronomy program. This form submits to one of our Physics & Astronomy faculty members - we know, that's not typically how this works, but we want to make sure you get direct answers about our Physics & Astronomy program. So go on, ask away!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

Speak to a Faculty Member

Dr. Patrick Durrell

Professor, BS in Physics and Astronomy
prdurrell@ysu.edu

“Youngstown State is a smaller school with big connections. By the end of my second year here, I was working on undergraduate research and had secured an internship at NASA. Everyone in the bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy program—faculty and students—are incredibly friendly and encourage one another to conquer their goals and reach for higher ones.”
Libby Rogenski
Alumni, 2017

Why Study Physics and Astronomy at YSU?

Uncover the secrets surrounding atoms, stars, and quantum phenomena with our Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy. You’ll thrive as a student here because small classes are the norm—with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio for most of our astronomy and physics major classes. You’ll also find that we offer: 

  • Research opportunities: Our faculty members have decades of expertise in the reduction and analysis of astronomical images from some of the world’s largest telescopes. You’ll partner with them on their research, which will allow you to learn to use the latest tools and techniques while getting paid for your work as a Physics and Astronomy major.  
  • Internships with leading employers: Many of our bachelor’s degree in astronomy and physics students gain hands-on experience through an internship. Recently, our students interned at Delphi Technologies, Eaton Corporation, and NASA.  
  • A state-of-the-art planetarium: You’ll take classes and learn within YSU’s Ward Beecher Planetarium, which is a 145-seat facility that features a 40-foot projection dome, Chronos GOTO Star projectors, and a SciDome HB full-dome digital projector.  
  • Top-notch research equipment and labs: Our Physics and Astronomy majors get hands-on experience with equipment they’ll use in the field—whether it’s an atomic force microscope, X-ray photoemission spectrometer, photolithography semiconductor, or a magnetron sputtering deposition system. 

What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Physics and Astronomy?

Our Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy provides a strong foundation for real-world success, empowering you to apply your knowledge across diverse careers—from research and academia to medicine, law, engineering, and computer science. Our graduates are now employed as:  

  • Data analysts 
  • Engineers 
  • Healthcare professionals 
  • Lawyers 
  • Professors 
  • Researchers 

Graduates of YSU’s bachelor’s degree in astronomy and physics can be found at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and the Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology. Many of our alumni also go on to pursue advanced degrees, furthering their expertise and career potential.  

Whatever path you choose, our bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy will prepare you for a growing field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of astronomers and physicists will grow 7 percent over the next decade—faster than the national average—because of the broad scientific and technological expertise that graduates bring to the field. 

Astronomy and Physics Major: What You'll Study

Start Your Astronomy and Physics Journey at YSU

At YSU, our Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy brings together coursework from both fields, as well as classes focused on important math concepts. You’ll take coursework relevant to industry demands, including: 

  • Astrophysics 
  • Classical Mechanics 
  • Electromagnetic Theory 
  • Observational Astronomy 1 
  • Quantum Mechanics 
  • Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics 

You’ll also pursue laboratory experiences, where you will be exposed to the latest technological tools and participate in stimulating research efforts.  

Deepen your curious streak, analytical mind, and unquenchable thirst for answering fundamental questions about the universe through our Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy. Our future is vast and filled with so many unanswered questions, and you can play a role in taking the next big leap in physics and astronomy 

Student Organizations

The STEM community has a variety of student professional organizations that allow you to grow and foster your learning in an environment with those who share the same interests. 

Student professional organizations provide opportunities for you to meet experienced professionals, collaborate with students at other universities, or form relationships with colleagues outside the classroom. They provide social, academic, entrepreneurial, and professional networking opportunities.

Scholarships Available

At YSU, we are known as one of the most affordable universities with a bachelor’s degree in astronomy and physics program. Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are also awarded to students enrolled in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to both incoming and current students.