BA Astronomy at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The BA in Astronomy gives a thorough background in basic physics and astronomy and the historical development of modern physical concepts. It suits students heading to careers where science and technology have a large impact, such as law, business or government administration, technical writing and science education, rather than scientific or technical careers.

Faculty: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences | Department: Department of Physics and Astronomy | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Introductory physics with lab, introductory astronomy, thermodynamics/relativity/quantum theory, applications of modern physics, a physics seminar, two upper-level astronomy courses (e.g. Stellar Structure, Galaxies and Cosmology, Solar System and Exoplanets), calculus through MATH 0240 and at least one History and Philosophy of Science course. Variants: Science Communication and Science Breadth.

Career pathways

Law, business administration, governmental administration, technical writing, science education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University of Pittsburgh first-year (bachelor's) applicants: apply through the University of Pittsburgh Application or the Common Application ($55 application fee); submit the Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record (STARS) record (international high school applicants may have it waived); SAT or ACT scores are optional under the test-optional policy extended through Fall 2028 (highest ACT composite or SAT superscore used if submitted). Admission is rolling with holistic review; applications completed by December 1 are automatically considered for academic scholarships (February 1 for international first-year applicants). Programme rule: a grade average of C or better in the required science courses is required.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Domestic applicants: USD 21,594 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident undergraduate tuition for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Pittsburgh campus, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees, housing and other expenses are listed separately and excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 43,328 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) undergraduate tuition for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Pittsburgh campus, full-time two terms (fall and spring); Pitt charges non-PA residents the out-of-state rate. Tuition only; mandatory fees, housing and oth Source

First-year entry for Fall 2027 is open; the University operates on rolling admission with no set application deadline. Fall term begins August 23 and spring term begins January 10 for the admitted first-year cycle shown.

Transfer students may apply for fall, spring and summer terms (Swanson School of Engineering also lists Fall, Spring and Summer entry; Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Education and Pharmacy are Fall only).

First-year applicants apply with the University of Pittsburgh Application or the Common Application (neither is preferred); the application fee is $55. There is no set deadline (rolling admission). The STARS self-reported academic record is required for first-year applicants except international students.

The SAT/ACT is optional: the test-optional policy runs through fall 2028 for first-year and transfer applicants, including international and homeschool applicants. Proof of English proficiency is required from international students.

International first-year applicants for fall who complete their application before February 1 are automatically reviewed for international student scholarships; international undergraduate applicants must apply by April 1 for fall and summer entry and by October 1 for spring entry.

Transfer applications are on rolling admission in the Dietrich School, Business, General Studies and Public Health (recommended complete by July 30 for fall and December 1 for spring; international deadlines May 1 fall, October 1 spring, February 15 summer). Swanson Engineering: Fall July 30, Spring December 1, Summer April 1 (international May 1, October 1, February 15). Nursing: Fall April 1, Spring November 1 (international Fall April 1, Spring October 1). Computing and Information: Fall early March 1, final May 1 international and June 15 domestic, Spring October 1, Summer February 1. Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Education programmes: Fall only, March 1 priority deadline. Pharmacy applies through PharmCAS.

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