BS Planetary Science and Astronomy at Pennsylvania State University

Programme overview

Planetary Science and Astronomy majors will study the Earth system in the context of the Solar System and the universe as a whole. Students will apply methods and knowledge from mathematics, geosciences, chemistry, biology, astronomy and physics, and through laboratory experiences and coursework they will both learn to explore the Earth and to use telescopes to obtain astronomical data. They will study planetary systems around other stars and explore the possibility of their harboring life.

Faculty: Eberly College of Science | Duration: minimum 122 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: University Park, PA, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 122 credits, including General Education and the requirements for the major. Required courses include Experimental Chemistry I, Experimental Chemistry II, Effective Writing: Technical Writing, Calculus with Analytic Geometry II, Fundamentals of Planetary Science and Astronomy, Astronomical Telescopes, Techniques, and Data Analysis.

Career pathways

Students in the Planetary Science & Astronomy major have flexibility in this program to customize the coursework to their anticipated career path. Many students choose careers in astronomy education or science communication, which may include work in the planetarium field or as K-12 classroom teachers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In order to be eligible for entrance to the Planetary Science and Astronomy major, a student must have: Attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average; Completed MATH 140 with a grade of C or better; Completed at least four of the following courses with a grade of C or better: ASTRO 120 , ASTRO 130 , ASTRO 140 , BIOL 110 , CHEM 110 , EARTH 2 , GEOSC 1 , GEOSC 20 , or STAT 200 .

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/

Explore more study programmes

Engineering