BA Astronomy at University of Kansas

Programme overview

Why study physics and astronomy? Our goal is to understand the physical universe. The questions addressed by our department’s research and education missions range from the applied, such as an improved understanding of the materials that can be used for solar cell energy production, to foundational questions about the nature of mass and space, how the universe was formed and subsequently evolved, and how astrophysical phenomena affected the Earth and its evolution.

Faculty: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Department: Liberal Arts & Sciences› | Duration: 15 credit hours | Location: Lawrence, KS, United States

What you will study

Major in Astronomy Major Hours & Major GPA While completing all required courses (above), majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards: Major Hours in Residence Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major. Major Junior/Senior (300+) Hours Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.

Career pathways

While about half of our majors move on to graduate studies in STEM, many find employment in the private sector in diverse situations ranging from financial analysts to physicians.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to this major is through College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and university admission; these requirements apply at the college/university level, not to the major alone. Undergraduate Admission Admission to KU All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements. Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions. Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of the University Registrar website.

Domestic applicants: USD 11,844 a year (2026-27). Estimated tuition (Kansas resident) for 30 credit hours in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, as stated on the KU costs page; excludes the $1,065 required student and wellness fees, housing and course fees. The page gives this College of Liberal Arts Source

Entry terms follow the KU academic calendar; the application for first-year and transfer students is submitted through the KU application portal (go2.ku.edu). The fall freshman scholarship deadline is Dec. 1, the FAFSA priority deadline is Feb. 1 and the fall transfer scholarship deadline is Aug. 1.

Fall freshman scholarship deadline is Dec. 1; FAFSA priority deadline is Feb. 1; fall transfer scholarship deadline is Aug. 1. The application fee is $40 (non-refundable) for domestic degree-seeking freshmen; fee waivers are available. KU is test optional; ACT/SAT scores are encouraged and are not required. Apply online through the KU application portal.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.ku.edu/

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