Physics and Astronomy

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Physical Sciences Building, room 209

NAU, PO Box 6010, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6010

928-523-2661 (fax 928-523-1371)

astro.physics@nau.edu

www.physics.nau.edu  

Department Chair

David M. Cornelison

Undergraduate Information

You may pursue the following undergraduate academic plans in NAU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy:  

• B.S. in astronomy  

• B.S. in physics  

• B.S. in physics and astronomy (merged major)  

• B.S. in physics and mathematics (merged major)  

• B.S. in physical science  

• B.S. in engineering physics (extended major)

• B.S.Ed. in physics: secondary education (extended major)  

• B.S.Ed. in general science: secondary education (extended major)  

• minor in astronomy  

• minor in physics for secondary education  

• minor in physics  

The degree plans in physics, astronomy, and engineering physics are designed to prepare students for a career in a technical field or as a professional scientist.  We emphasize the value of research experiences in undergraduate education, so you also have a unique opportunity within these plans to participate in faculty research projects and work closely with individual professors.

Our plan in physical science is interdisciplinary and normally includes coursework in physics, chemistry, and earth science.  Our physical science major also provides a broad scientific background if you prefer a liberal arts degree with less of a mathematical orientation than a major in physics or astronomy.

Finally, if you are preparing for a teaching career in the community colleges or in secondary school, you may pursue a plan in physics or physical science secondary school preparation.  You can also pursue plans that satisfy state certification requirements in any of these majors.

Click here for Physics undergraduate courses, here for Astronomy undergraduate courses, and here for Physical Sciences undergraduate courses.

Click here for Physics and Astronomy faculty.

Graduate Information

We offer the following degrees in NAU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy:  

• M.S. in applied physics  (thesis and nonthesis plans)

• M.A.S.T. in secondary science teaching: high school and middle school

(extended coursework plan)

• M.A.S.T. in secondary science teaching high school and middle school:

(research plan)

• M.A.S.T. in secondary science teaching: middle school

(extended coursework plan)

• M.A.S.T. in secondary science teaching: middle school

(research plan)

• M.A.S.T. in community college science teaching

(extended coursework plan)

• M.A.S.T. in community college science teaching

(research plan)

We designed these programs to be flexible and tailored toward your individual needs and goals. They prepare you to enter a productive career in industry, government service, or teaching or to pursue further advanced study at other academic institutions.

Click here for Physics graduate courses, here for Astronomy graduate courses, and here for Physical Sciences graduate courses.

Click here for Physics and Astronomy faculty.