Major in Physics with Astronomy Emphasis

[MOTM1618]

For my undergraduate, I'll be majoring in physics, with the intent to move on to graduate school for astronomy. In doing this, how helpful would it be to attend a school that offers an emphasis or track in astronomy or astrophysics alongside the physics major? Should I consider it to be a deal-breaker if a school on my radar doesn't offer any astrophysics courses, even at the undergraduate level?

My thinking on the matter is that while I'll be majoring in physics, it would still be extremely prudent to take in as much on astronomy as possible, so any school that offers that area of emphasis would be highlighted a bit more. I would like some guidance from someone more knowledgeable in the area than myself. Is it that important, or is the presence of an area of emphasis simply more interesting than it is beneficial? I ask in both senses-- Would I be unprepared going into more advanced study without any prior college coursework in the area? And, would the area of emphasis help my chances of admittance?

Thank you all very much.

 

[eri]

It would certainly be helpful if you could take a few astronomy classes as an undergrad, and if there were an astrophysicist or two at the school who might take you on for a research project (you'll want to apply to astronomy REU programs, and it's easier to get into those if you've actually studied some astronomy). But a full department isn't necessary; many schools combine astronomy and physics into one department, or just have a few astronomers in the physics department. Just don't go to a school too small to have more than a few physicists; even many liberal arts colleges have actual astronomy departments.

 

[MOTM1618]

It would certainly be helpful if you could take a few astronomy classes as an undergrad, and if there were an astrophysicist or two at the school who might take you on for a research project (you'll want to apply to astronomy REU programs, and it's easier to get into those if you've actually studied some astronomy). But a full department isn't necessary; many schools combine astronomy and physics into one department, or just have a few astronomers in the physics department. Just don't go to a school too small to have more than a few physicists; even many liberal arts colleges have actual astronomy departments.

Thank you for taking the time to respond, Eri. I have a follow up question-- what if the school doesn't have any astronomy courses, period? I've noticed that at a lot (I would even say most) of the schools I've looked into combine physics and astronomy into a single department, but what if there is no such combination, and astronomy isn't offered in any medium at the school?

Basically, I have reservations about going through my entire time as an undergraduate without touching on the subject at all. I've been advised that an undergraduate education in physics is fine (I've also heard it's more beneficial than one in astronomy) but I'm curious if I'd be at a disadvantage in applying to graduate school if I had no previous work in the field. Let alone if I'd be "behind the game" if I was to be admitted.

 

[fillipeano]

Check what kind of research the school does. You should see if the schools you applied to research some kind of astronomy/astrophysics subjects.