Astrophysics Major

In Astrophysics, you will apply the laws of physics to study the universe at the largest scales. You will study the lifecycles of stars and the formation and evolution of galaxies, including the supermassive black holes that lurk at their centers; explore the formation and evolution of the universe; and learn about the search for planets around other stars.

About the Major

The astrophysics major will prepare you for graduate study in astrophysics or in physics, or for careers in high-tech industries, teaching, and more. The major provides the strong background in physics and mathematics required for a deep understanding of astrophysical phenomena.

Ohio Wesleyan now offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in astrophysics. Both degrees provide students with exposure to the depth and breadth of astrophysics. The Bachelor of Science degree includes a stronger emphasis on preparing students for more advanced study in the field or direct entry into professional‐level employment.

Undergraduate Research

All Physics and Astrophysics majors complete a year-long research project during their senior year. This gives them an opportunity to put what they've learned in their classes into practice and helps to prepare them for jobs or graduate school. There are also opportunities to participate in the OWU Summer Science Research Program.

Rachael Roettenbacher ’08 was one of three students nationwide to receive the 2008 Outstanding Student Award for Undergraduate Research from the Society of Physics Students, and presented her astrophysics research at the International Conference of Physics Students in Krakow, Poland.

Starspots

Rachel Roettenbacker ’08 did research on starspots at OWU before continuing to study them in the graduate astronomy program at the University of Michigan.

Stellar Magnetic Fields

Felise Bloodgood, Alec Martin '19, and Kyle Pellegrin observed the starspots of a young star in order to better understand how a star's magnetic fields are created. Professor Robert Harmon was their mentor.

The Cannon

Derek Shank '18 worked with Notre Dame Professor Timothy Beers to utilize a program called, The Cannon to analyze stellar data and more efficiently approximate the physical properties of stars.

Inspired Teaching

OWU faculty are outstanding scholars and researchers — and passionate teachers. They will push you, challenge you, inspire you, and work with you on your own research and creative projects.

They can even pack a 3-minute lecture with ideas, insight, and imagination. Check out our unique I³ lectures.

I³ Lectures

Highlights

Perkins Observatory

Advanced astronomical study is done at Ohio Wesleyan’s Perkins Observatory, which features a 32-inch reflecting telescope. Also on campus is the Student Observatory, with its 9-1/2-inch refracting telescope. Recently College Rank rated Perkins number 15 out of the 35 best college observatories, and was the highest ranked among small-college observatories.

Schimmel/Conrades Science Center

OWU’s 150,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art science center features an array of sophisticated equipment for hands-on use by OWU students.

Summer Research

The 10-week Summer Science Research Program gives students the opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research side by side with faculty mentors.

Astronomy & Physics Clubs

Activities of the Astronomy Club include viewing the cosmos though telescopes at the Student Observatory and Perkins Observatory, and field trips. In the Society of Physics Students, a professional club for students who love physics, students make connections and perform outreach.

Graduate Outcomes

Alex Howe '11

Alex is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University, studying exoplanet atmospheres.

Graduate Study

Recent Astrophysics graduates have gone on to graduate programs at Princeton, University of Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, Texas Christian University, and others.