Astronomy (BA) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The BA in Astronomy is intended for students interested in astronomy who may not pursue a career in the field.

Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Lower-division ASTR 110, calculus, MATH 245 and the PHYS 161-163 sequence; upper-division courses include Astrophysics I, The Solar System, Galaxies and Large-Scale Structures in the Universe and Cosmology.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

First-year applicants (USC Undergraduate Admission): apply via the Common Application with transcripts and a letter of recommendation; official test scores are optional (test-optional process). Deadlines: Early Decision and Early Action (most majors) November 1; Regular Decision (most majors) January 10; Regular Decision (performing arts majors) December 1. Some schools and majors (Iovine and Young Academy, Architecture, Art and Design, Cinematic Arts, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Music) require additional materials. Interviews are not conducted by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Requirements published at program group level.

USD 75,384 a year (2026-27). Estimated undergraduate tuition for two semesters (12-18 units per semester), the USC rate for full-time undergraduates; excludes fees ($1,952), housing, food, books and the $450 new student fee. The same tuition applies to in-state and out-of-state resid Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; applicants can apply Early Decision (binding), Early Action or Regular Decision.

First-year deadlines for 2027 entry: Early Decision (most majors) November 1; Early Action (most majors) November 1; Regular Decision for performing arts majors (Dance, Dramatic Arts, Thornton Music) December 1; Regular Decision for most majors January 10. Early Decision applicants are notified by mid-December, Early Action in late January and Regular Decision by April 1.

Applications are made through the Common Application; the undergraduate application fee is $85 for all applicants, with fee waivers available except to international students. SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional); USC school code is SAT 4852 and ACT 0470.

Transfer applications for 2027-28: December 1, 2026 for selected programmes and February 15, 2027 for all other majors; SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.usc.edu/

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