M31 Andromeda Galaxy (rwittich/envato)
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has introduced an astrophysics major for undergraduate students beginning in Fall 2024. The program is the only one of its kind in the SUNY system.
“The astrophysics major is perfect for students who are passionate about space and want a quantitative, hands-on learning experience,” says Savi Iyer, professor and chair in physics and astronomy. “The program prepares students for careers that require strong problem-solving, data analysis, image processing, and analytic skills. It is specifically designed for students thinking about careers in astronomy and space sciences or related fields.”
Geneseo’s major offers a complete education in physics with options to pursue various career paths, such as physics, astrophysics, optics, data analytics, computational science, or instrumentation.
Highlights of the new major include NASA-funded summer research opportunities, field experiences such as visits to Kitt Peak National Observatory, and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on publishable research projects. The department also offers microcredentials in physics and astronomy research.
“We are very excited to be able to offer students this major at Geneseo,” says Aaron Steinhauer, professor of physics and astronomy. “It is a codification of the outstanding astrophysics opportunities that have been available to students here for decades.”
For more information on the astrophysics major, contact Iyer at iyer@geneseo.edu or 585-245-5540.