BS Astronomy at University of Maryland, College Park

Programme overview

Astronomy is the scientific study of the universe and its contents, including planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects. Astronomers not only study what the universe is like right now, but they seek to understand the origins and evolution of the universe and the objects within it. At the University of Maryland, astronomers use a variety of tools, including telescopes (both ground-based and space-based) for imaging and spectroscopy, and other specialized instruments to study celestial objects as well as creating theoretical and computational models to better understand those objects.

Faculty: College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | Department: Astronomy | Study mode: full-time | Location: College Park, MD, United States

What you will study

Required courses include Introductory Astrophysics, Observational Astronomy, Introductory Physics: Mechanics, Introduction to Scientific Programming, Introductory Physics: Electricity and Magnetism, Intermediate Oscillations and Waves.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to the university through undergraduate admissions (applies to the university, not specifically to this major).

Domestic applicants: USD 11,015 a year (2026-27). Full-time undergraduate tuition for Maryland residents, fall and spring semesters; one university-wide undergraduate rate that applies to all bachelor's programmes. Excludes mandatory fees ($1,820), room and board. Juniors and seniors majoring in Business Source

International applicants: USD 42,266 a year (2026-27). Full-time undergraduate tuition for residents of the District of Columbia, other states and other countries, fall and spring semesters; one university-wide undergraduate rate that applies to all bachelor's programmes. Excludes mandatory fees ($1,820), roo Source

Fall enrollment begins in late August and Spring enrollment in late January. Freshmen who apply for Fall are automatically considered for Spring admission.

Fall entry, U.S. and international freshmen: Early Action deadline November 1 (decision by February 1; non-binding), Regular deadline January 20 (decision by April 1); enrollment confirmation by May 1. Applications after the regular deadline are considered on a rolling, space-available basis.

Fall entry, U.S. and international transfers: Early Action deadline March 1 (decision by late April), Regular deadline June 1 (decision by mid-July); enrollment confirmation within 30 days of admission.

Spring entry: international freshmen and transfers must apply by August 1; U.S. freshmen Early Action deadline December 1; U.S. transfers Early Action August 1 and Regular November 15.

The undergraduate application fee is $80 (non-refundable). Admitted students pay a $400 non-refundable enrollment confirmation deposit, credited to tuition. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are optional through the Spring and Fall 2027 application cycles.

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

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