“Why did no one teach me constellations when I was a child?”
–Thomas Carlyle.

The goal of the astronomy curriculum at the University of Illinois at Springfield is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about the astronomical universe through a variety of courses, research, and public outreach activities.

Our program has focused mainly on excellence in teach lower-division general education, teaching students to become citizens who understand the scientific method and have an appreciation for the physical sciences. Our more advanced classes are meant to take students further, starting them on the path toward a life-long love for astronomy and/or work as a citizen scientist.

Students may pursue an individualized major in Liberal and Independent Studies that includes astronomy, physics, and mathematics through UIS’s Liberal Studies Program (B.A.) or Individual Option Program (M.A.). The astronomy-physics option provides courses and laboratory work in astronomy and physics, with opportunities for students to do research with astronomy-physics faculty. Students should consult with the liberal studies
or individual option programs for advice about
courses needed to obtain the concentration.

Chemistry students can earn CHE 400 research credit toward their major through indpendent research in astronomy.