BA in Physics and Astronomy

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Emory University

Program Overview

Emory University's Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Astronomy combines the study of fundamental physical principles with an exploration of stars, galaxies and the wider universe. Its flexible curriculum balances core physics and astronomy courses with electives, making it suitable for students who want a strong scientific foundation while keeping pathways open to medicine, law, teaching, science communication and other interdisciplinary careers.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students begin developing their mathematical and scientific foundations through Physics I (PHYS 151), Physics II (PHYS 152) and Calculus II (MATH 112), progressing to Multivariable Calculus (MATH 211). Students also take Introduction to Astronomy (PHYS 116) during their first two years to develop an understanding of astronomical phenomena and the universe.

Second Year: Students explore more advanced physical concepts through Modern Physics (PHYS 253) and Computational Modeling (PHYS 212), alongside Differential Equations (MATH 212). These courses strengthen their understanding of modern scientific theories and their ability to use mathematical and computational approaches to investigate physical systems.

Third Year: Students advance into upper-level physics and astronomy through a core theory course and Astrophysics I (PHYS 311) or Astrophysics II (PHYS 312). Depending on their interests and course prerequisites, they can explore theoretical physics and astronomical phenomena while developing stronger analytical and problem-solving skills.

Fourth Year: Students consolidate their practical knowledge through Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory (PHYS 444) and complete additional upper-level physics electives. This stage allows them to strengthen experimental skills, apply scientific concepts and tailor their studies to their future interests in postgraduate education or professional fields.

Focus Areas

Physics, astronomy, astrophysics, computational modelling, experimental physics, mathematical physics, scientific instrumentation, biophysics, condensed matter physics and theoretical physics.

Learning Outcomes

Apply mathematical and physical principles to scientific problems, develop computational modelling skills, conduct experiments and interpret results, understand astronomical phenomena, communicate scientific findings through written and oral presentations, and build analytical and quantitative reasoning skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program provides a foundation for careers and further education in scientific and interdisciplinary fields. The official program information does not specify a separate professional accreditation for this degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Emory's Physics Department offers undergraduate research opportunities in biophysics, condensed matter physics, theoretical and computational physics, and astronomy. The university reports that well over half of its physics majors participate in undergraduate research, providing opportunities to build practical research experience. A specific employability ranking or verified graduate employment rate for this degree is not stated in the program information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Emory University helps students connect scientific theory with practical investigation through advanced laboratory courses, undergraduate research and astronomy facilities. Students can work with faculty on experimental or theoretical projects, analyse data, document their findings and present research results. Research participation may be available for academic credit or pay, depending on the project and funding.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory (PHYS 444): Develop practical experimental skills, scientific measurement techniques and data-analysis abilities.
Computational Modelling (PHYS 212): Apply computational methods to explore physical systems and solve scientific problems.
Undergraduate Research (PHYS 499): Participate in faculty-supervised research, typically for 2–4 credit hours, with projects available in experimental and theoretical physics.
Honors Research (PHYS 495): Eligible students can pursue additional research through the department's Honors Program, subject to its academic requirements.
Emory Observatory: Access the 24-inch DFM Cassegrain optical telescope, computer-controlled telescope systems and an observation pad equipped for smaller telescopes.
Mathematics and Science Center Planetarium: Use the 56-seat teaching planetarium and Zeiss Skymaster projector to explore astronomical concepts and visualise celestial movements.
Physics Research Facilities: Explore specialised facilities for materials and device preparation, nanofabrication, measurement and characterisation, supported by departmental machine-shop and electronics-shop services.
Research Communication: Gain experience maintaining laboratory notebooks, preparing written reports and presenting findings to research groups.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.A. in Physics and Astronomy gives graduates a flexible scientific background that can support careers across science, business, education and professional services. Potential roles include science writer, laboratory technician, research assistant and data analyst, depending on the student's experience and additional qualifications.

Students can explore the following progression opportunities:

Career Services: Emory's career-support services can help students with career planning, professional preparation and the search for relevant employment and internship opportunities.
Research Experience: Undergraduate research projects can help students develop technical skills, establish faculty connections and strengthen applications for graduate programs or research-oriented roles.
Career Flexibility: The university identifies medicine, law, industry, business, teaching and policy studies among the possible directions for physics graduates.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: A degree-specific graduate employment rate and salary figure are not stated in the official program information.
Professional Accreditation: The degree builds transferable scientific and analytical skills, but the official program information does not identify a separate professional accreditation.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can use their physics and astronomy background to pursue employment or further education, with pathways shaped by electives, research experience and additional qualifications.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue postgraduate study in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, computational science or related disciplines, subject to the admission requirements of their chosen program. Those interested in medicine, dentistry or law can also apply to the relevant professional schools after completing the required prerequisites. Students aiming for advanced research careers in physics or astrophysics may benefit from considering a more research-intensive graduate pathway, including a master's degree or Ph.D.