The ESS
building—home of Stony Brook Astronomy
The Astronomy program at Stony Brook was formed in 1968 as part of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences and administratively moved in 1998 to what is now the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Since its inception, the program has expanded into broad areas of galactic and extragalactic astronomy, nuclear astrophysics, stellar astrophysics, and cosmology. It offers strong undergraduate programs leading to the baccalauareate and graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy.
Currently, the program has eight full-time astronomy faculty, several adjunct/research/emeritus faculty, and (soon) two postdoctoral researchers. The faculty has developed a significant diversity of interests, has earned an international reputation, and can provide students with opportunities for study and research in many fields.
Courses taken by undergraduate Astronomy majors are characterized by their small size, rarely are enrollments over 15, and their intimate character. Instruction and learning take place in nearly optimal circumstances. Graduates of the program go on to the best graduate programs or are very competitive for techical positions in industry.