<p>Now I know the difference between astrophysics and astronomy, im wondering about the difference in college curriculum? What are the differences in required courses? Thanks</p>
<p>From Astrogirl....</p>
<p>Most schools won't offer both majors. She'll be a second year student at UMD this fall, where she is double majoring in Astronomy and Physics. (they don't have astrophysics as a major). She will end up taking a lot more physics classes than if she'd gone to a school that offered an astrophysics degree. (and she is very happy about that ?!!!) She brought a bunch of AP credits with her, so she's able to do this, as well as taking classes she's really interested in.... She'll be able to graduate in 4 years, and plans immediately to go to grad school....probably to a Ph.D. level.</p>
<p>in her opinion....
There is a lot more math (heavy duty math) required in the area of Astrophysics. A LOT of physics. However, D says that if you really don't like math, that Astronomy isn't a good choice, either! </p>
<p>When comparing schools, you really should look in detail online at their major requirements and class schedules. Sometimes people get into a scientific major and don't remotely realize what kinds of other classes lie ahead for them. Another recommendation from A-girl's college search....looking at the course schedule helps determine whether the upper level classes are generally available every semester, or whether they do something like only offered in Spring in even-numbered years or something silly like that. That really was an eye-opening discovery when she compared schools.</p>
<p>oh dont worry about it thats definitely what i want, i plan on doing a double major in Math/Computer Science (Which is a joint major) and then either Astronomy or Astrophysics. I love astronomy but am more interested in for example computing the path of a star instead of plotting one.</p>