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STEM Physics and Astronomy
At YSU, a major in Physics and Astronomy is greater than the sum of its parts. Like many other undergraduate focused universities, Youngstown State offers a combined major in Physics and Astronomy to help students navigate a career field that often closely intertwines these two studies. With state of the art equipment (such as a 40-foot projection dome and a Chronos GOTO Star Projector), students will have access to limitless opportunities to explore their interests and earn a highly coveted degree.
how do i know if this major is the right fit for me?
To succeed in a competitive major like Physics and Astronomy, students should be passionate about the field and be able to grasp and analyze complex concepts, such as quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, astrophysics, and related abstractions. Students should also be well versed in scientific reasoning, data analytics, writing and speaking skills. Individuals interested in this program should also be prepared to work with computers and other technological equipment, and be willing to collaborate with peers in laboratory and classroom settings.
At YSU, students majoring in the Physics and Astronomy program have the opportunity to work with research-active astronomers on observational projects and analyze data from state of the art telescopes, as well as work with other advanced technologies on campus in Ward Beecher Planetarium. Since astronomy is considered a subfield of physics, YSU provides coursework that focuses on both of these fields of study, with emphasis on relevant mathematical concepts.
what does this program look like at ySU?
At YSU, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy. However, there is also the option to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Physics. This second route is geared more towards students who would like their education to focus predominantly on physics, or who plan to end their educational journey at the bachelor’s degree level. You can also earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics, which is an option for students who have firm plans to continue their graduate studies in physics, as well as those who are looking to land technical positions within the physics industry.
Students in the Physics and Astronomy program will graduate with a Bachelor of Science. Seniors enrolled in this major will partake in undergraduate astronomy research for their capstone project requirement. Like other capstone projects, this research is guided by a faculty member and provides scholars with fantastic opportunities to learn more about their passions and gain valuable research experience. Many students have also landed internships at a variety of respected institutions, including NASA, Delphi, and Eaton Corporation.
Additionally, there are a wide variety of STEM Student Organizations offered at YSU. Many of these groups provide students the opportunity to network with peers from other universities, as well as established professionals in their fields of interest. YSU currently boasts over 30 university recognized STEM organizations, including the Association for Women in Math, Biology Club, National Society of Black Engineers, Youngstown Environmental Sustainability Society, Robotics Club, and many more. If you’d like to learn more, you can view the complete list of organizations and their goals here.
what can i expect after graduation?
Graduates of this program are armed with a skill set that allows them to take on graduate studies, education or public outreach positions, and any multitude of space-related industry jobs.
Since this field is projected to grow faster than the national average (8% from 2021 through 2031), graduates from this degree program are in a good spot when it comes to job security. Likewise, the median annual salary for physicists and astronomers was three times higher than the median wage for all workers reported in 2021. A combined degree program also allows graduates more flexibility with job opportunities. Graduates of YSU’s Physics and Astronomy program have found themselves working at a variety of institutions, including Satcon Technology Corporation, Eaton Corporation, and Interstellar Illustrations. If you’re interested in pursuing an exciting career path in a field that’s constantly evolving and expanding, you can apply on the YSU Admissions page.
