BS Astronomy and Astrophysics at Pennsylvania State University

Programme overview

Astronomy involves the study of the properties, physical nature and origins of the planets, stars, galaxies and universe as a whole. It involves development of instrumentation, observations of celestial objects with ground- and space-based telescopes, and interpretation of findings using the mathematical laws of physics such as gravity, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. The undergraduate major provides a strong and broad foundation in mathematics, physical science and computation as well as a detailed understanding of modern astronomy.

Faculty: Eberly College of Science | Duration: minimum 125 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: University Park, PA, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 125 credits, including General Education and the requirements for the major. Required courses include Observational Astronomy Laboratory, Experimental Chemistry I, Chemical Principles II, Effective Writing: Technical Writing, Calculus and Vector Analysis, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations.

Career pathways

Penn State students with a B.S. in Astronomy & Astrophysics have been successful in establishing careers in a wide variety of technical fields. Students should be aware that a degree in astronomy is less well known by employers than degrees in computer science or physics.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In order to be eligible for entrance to the Astronomy and Astrophysics major, a student must have: Attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average. Completed and earned a grade of C or better in each of the following courses: ASTRO 291 , CHEM 110 , MATH 140 , MATH 141 , PHYS 211 , and PHYS 212 .

Undergraduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer entry; the application opens August 1 for Fall and Summer and June 1 for Spring.

Early Action: apply by November 1 to receive a decision by December 24. Recommended submission deadline for all applications: December 1. Applicants apply through the MyPennState application or the Common App. A nonrefundable application fee is paid by credit card; fee waivers are available to eligible students.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.psu.edu/apply/

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