Undergraduate Program

Why Astronomy and Astrophysics?

Our goals include providing students the means to be excellent quantitative problem solvers in physics/astrophysics and to provide a global view of the content of the universe and its physical laws. Our faculty are internationally-recognized leaders in a wide variety of fields, and undergraduates, even as freshman, have the opportunity to join in their research efforts.

Astronomy and Astrophysics students at the Eberly College of Science commencement reception.

Applications

Learn more about declaring a major or minor in our department.

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Astronomy and Astrophysics Major

The Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASTRO) major in Penn State's Eberly College of Science involves the scientific study of the universe.

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The Planetary Science and Astronomy (PASTR) major in Penn State's Eberly College of Science is complementary to the ASTRO major but was designed to give students flexibility to pursue a variety of secondary interests.

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Planetary Science and Astronomy Major

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Astronomy and Astrophysics Minor

Students are required to have a total of 18-19 credits from courses taken in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Meteorology.

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Planetary Science and Astronomy Minor

To receive a Planetary Science and Astronomy minor, students are required to have a total of 19 credits from courses taken in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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Astrobiology Minor

The Astrobiology minor is an interdisciplinary minor requiring a total of 18 credits.

Photo of nebula M1 on the left and a photo of galaxy M51 on the right

Undergraduate Links

Undergraduate Student Handbook

Contact Us

Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Penn State University
525 Davey Laboratory
University Park, PA 16802

Phone: (814) 865-0419

Robert Morehead - Head, Undergraduate Program

Amanda Igyarto - Undergraduate Staff Assistant