The Natural Sciences: Physics and Astronomy

HE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY at Ohio Wesleyan offers a flexible and exciting program that prepares you for graduate study in physics, astronomy, or a related field, such as biophysics, geophysics, oceanography, or environmental science; for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, or law; or for entry into a career in business, industry, or secondary education.

Ohio Wesleyan operates two observatories: the on-campus Student Observatory, with a 9.5-inch refracting telescope; and Perkins Observatory, with its 32–inch reflecting telescope, which is located a few miles south of the campus.

We also provide engineering opportunities. These options allow you to study three years at OWU and two in an engineering program at another school; program participants earn bachelor’s degrees from both universities. We currently have agreements for these programs with California Institute of Technology, Case Western Reserve University, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Polytechnic Institute of New York, Rensselaer Polytechnic University, and Washington University in St. Louis. Ohio Wesleyan is one of only 13 universities throughout the country who have a 3-2 arrangement with Caltech.

Majors: Astrophysics, Physics

Option: Pre-Engineering 3-2 Program

Minors: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics

Beyond-the-classroom opportunities: Independent research, directed readings. Astronomy Club, Sigma Pi Sigma (physics honorary society), Society of Physics Students, Women in Science. Internships, Student board. All students who major in the department are required to complete a senior research project. Some majors are selected for the opportunity to participate in the Patricia Belt Conrades Summer Science Research Program. Students have presented their research at prestigious local, national, and regional conferences and have been co-authors of peer-reviewed journal articles.

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