BA Physics and Astronomy

At Emory, you’ll gain hands-on experience through access to advanced telescopes, modern laboratories, and research opportunities guided by expert faculty. The program emphasises practical skills in observational astronomy, data analysis, and experimental physics, supported by state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance your learning and research.

Here’s how you’ll build your expertise and where you’ll do it:

• Emory Observatory: Use the centrepiece 24-inch DFM Cassegrain telescope housed in the silver dome atop the Mathematics and Science Centre. This research-grade telescope, fully computer-controlled via the Telescope Control System (TCS), allows you to conduct photometric measurements and spectroscopy, capturing data with a sensitive CCD camera.

• Telescope Control System (TCS) Room: Work comfortably in the control room beneath the observatory dome, managing telescope operations and data collection in all weather conditions.

• Rooftop Observing Deck: Access a ten-station deck equipped with small reflecting telescopes for introductory astronomy labs and observational practice.

• Physics and Astronomy Laboratories: Engage in general and advanced physics labs, optics, analogue and digital electronics, microprocessor labs, and computational physics classrooms that support both physics and astronomy coursework.

• Zeiss Planetarium Classroom: Learn in a 60-seat planetarium that enhances your understanding of celestial mechanics and observational astronomy.

• Lecture Demonstration Theatre: Participate in physics demonstrations and interactive learning in a 180-seat theatre designed for large classes.

• Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Collaborate with faculty on diverse projects, including observing stars and exoplanets, often through upper-level lab courses (e.g., PHYS 311-2, PHYS 312-2, PHYS 444) or independent research credits (PHYS 495, 499).

• Emory Astronomy Club: Join this active student organisation to engage in astronomy-related activities, outreach, and peer learning.

Graduates of Emory University’s BA in Physics and Astronomy program enjoy versatile career paths in fields such as science writing, secondary education, business, medicine, law, and multidisciplinary scientific roles. This program combines a strong foundation in physics and astronomy with the flexibility to integrate liberal arts, preparing you for a broad range of professions and graduate studies:

• University Services: Emory offers personalised academic advising through the Department of Physics, access to advanced physics and astronomy laboratories, and opportunities to join the Emory Astronomy Club for networking and hands-on experience. The university’s Career Center provides workshops, internships, and job placement support tailored to STEM and interdisciplinary students.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Emory physics graduates are known for strong problem-solving and technical skills, leading to diverse roles such as research assistant, software engineer, educator, and consultant. Alumni have secured positions at leading companies and graduate programs, with competitive salaries in STEM and professional sectors.

• University–Industry Partnerships: Emory’s Office of Technology Transfer facilitates partnerships with industry, supporting startup formation, corporate research collaborations, and licensing opportunities. These connections provide students with pathways to internships and employment in cutting-edge scientific and technological fields.

• Long-term Accreditation Value: Emory’s program is housed in a research-active department with modern facilities, including observatories and planetariums, ensuring your degree is respected nationwide. The curriculum balances core physics and astronomy courses with electives, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career goals.

• Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in science communication, education, healthcare, law, business, and research, equipped with strong analytical and communication skills that are highly valued across industries.

Further Academic Progression: Many students continue their education in graduate programs in physics, astronomy, medicine, law, business, or science writing. Emory’s BA in Physics and Astronomy provides a solid foundation for advanced study in both scientific and interdisciplinary fields, opening doors to leadership roles and specialised careers.