Department of Physics & Astronomy

Programs and Requirements

The analytical, conceptual and experimental skills perfected by physics majors apply to many careers. Physics and its subfields are an integral part of such diverse disciplines as astronomy, engineering, chemistry, geology, medicine, and meteorology. The Physics Program at the State University College at Oneonta provides a foundation for both employment and graduate study in these and related fields. Graduates of the program are currently working and studying in professional physics, astronomy, engineering, chemical physics, computer applications, education, medicine, and business management.

Study Options:

The Standard Option (Option A) prepares students for graduate work or employment in physics or an associated field by concentrating mainly on physics and related courses. Standard Option majors may also choose a track in astronomy.

The Interdisciplinary Option (Option B) is suited for students desiring a strong physics background for study or work in another field. It builds a foundation of physics courses combined with an individually designed program, including courses from other departments. Students often select from courses in astronomy, biology, business, chemistry, earth science, engineering, geology, mathematics, meteorology, and water resources.

The college offers a 3-2 Engineering Program in cooperation with eight engineering schools. This allows students to major in physics or another liberal arts discipline at the College at Oneonta and then attend a cooperating engineering school. Students who successfully complete the five-year program receive a liberal arts degree from the State University College at Oneonta and an engineering degree from the cooperating engineering school. Commonly-selected engineering majors are aerospace, ceramic, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, and nuclear.

Astronomy offerings at the college include a track in Astronomy under the Liberal Arts Physics Option A major (which with graduate study elsewhere could lead to a career in Astronomy/Astrophysics), and Astronomy minor, and courses ranging from introductory-level for non-science majors to upper level for students with serious interest in the field. Current research emphasis includes study of star formation, variable stars, binary star populations, and gravitational lensing. Campus astronomy activities are supported by an observatory and a planetarium.

The college offers a Secondary Education in Physics program that leads to certification to teach physics and mathematics courses. The program requires courses in other sciences and in education.