BS Physics & Astronomy at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

Designed for those who wish to use physics professionally, with a minimum programme giving mastery of essential physics and related areas. A grade average of C or better is required in the required science courses.

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

What you will study

Introductory physics, PHYS 0310 first-year seminar, mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, computational methods, 10 credits of laboratory courses, mathematics through differential equations and 9 credits of science electives. A graduate school preparation track adds further quantum and electromagnetic theory courses.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University of Pittsburgh first-year applicants: apply with the Pitt Application or the Common Application ($55 fee); the STARS self-reported transcript record is required of all first-year applicants except international students; official SAT or ACT scores are optional under the test-optional policy extended through Fall 2028 (highest ACT composite or SAT superscore used when submitted); a personal statement is required to be considered for scholarships. Rolling admissions with no set deadline; December 1 is the date for automatic academic scholarship consideration, and February 1 for international first-year scholarships. International applicants use the passport legal name, and an InitialView interview is optional.

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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