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The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s B.A. in Astronomy offers a comprehensive astronomy education with flexibility for interdisciplinary interests like education, writing, or pre‑professional tracks. It’s ideal for students interested in science education, public communication, or museum work, while still building a solid foundation in astronomy, physics, and mathematics.
Curriculum Structure:
First Year:
Freshman students take ASTRON 191A: First‑Year Seminar, ASTRON 228: Astrophysics I – Stars and Galaxies, alongside Physics I & II with labs (PHYSICS 181/182) and Calculus I & II (MATH 131/132), introducing core astronomy concepts, observational methods, and foundational physics and math.
Second Year:
Sophomores complete ASTRON 335: Astrophysics II – Stellar Structure and Evolution (or ASTRON 452: Galaxies and the Universe) plus additional astronomy electives like ASTRON 223: Planetary Science or ASTRON 337: Techniques of Optical & Infrared Astronomy. They also take PHYSICS 272/273 (Thermodynamics, Optics & Lab), PHYSYSICS 276/277 (Quantum Mechanics, Sophomore Lab II), and MATH 233: Multivariate Calculus.
Third Year:
Junior-year students take ASTRON 301: Writing in Astronomy (satisfying Junior Year Writing requirement), ASTRON 339: Astronomy in a Global Context (Integrative Experience), one additional 300+ level astronomy course, and complete electives in physics or related fields.
Fourth Year:
Seniors complete at least three more astronomy electives (with one at the 300+ level) and can combine their degree with minors or study across Five College campuses. There is no required thesis—students enjoy flexibility to explore interests.
Focus Areas:
General Astronomy & Astrophysics, Observational Methods, Stellar Structure & Evolution, Planetary Science, Computational Techniques, Interdisciplinary Exploration.
Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will understand foundational astrophysical principles, interpret observational and physical data, and apply scientific reasoning across diverse contexts—skills especially suited to careers in science writing, museum work, education, or interdisciplinary applications.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Program offered by UMass Amherst’s Department of Astronomy, an independent department in the College of Natural Sciences. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and aligned with national STEM education standards. Students benefit from access to Five College Astronomy resources and research facilities like Orchard Hill Observatory and UMass’s partnerships in major projects such as the Large Millimeter Telescope.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
UMass Amherst is the only public New England institution offering undergraduate astronomy at this scale. The Astronomy Department is R1-classified, highly research-active, and supported thousands in research collaborations including the Large Millimeter Telescope and Event Horizon Telescope project. Undergraduate students report strong faculty mentorship and opportunities to co-author research.
Experiential Learning Highlights
Faculty‑Mentored Undergraduate Research
The Department of Astronomy encourages students to begin working with faculty (and sometimes graduate students) as early as sophomore year. You can get involved in observational or theoretical projects in areas like stars, exoplanets, galaxies, radio astronomy, instrumentation, and cosmology. Many undergraduates contribute to publications or present their work at student conferences and symposiums.
Five‑College Astronomy Summer Internships
Through the Five College Astronomy Department, you can apply for a 10-week summer internship starting in June. You’ll engage in research alongside students from Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and UMass Amherst, working on multi-wavelength data analysis, modeling, or instrumentation projects. A stipend (~$6,000) is provided.
Computational & Instrumentation Facilities
UMass operates high-performance computing clusters used to simulate cosmic structure formation and galaxy dynamics. Undergraduates gain experience in computational astrophysics using real observational datasets and modeling tools.
Small-Telescope Observing Labs & Outreach
The Orchard Hill Observatory houses a 16‑inch Cassegrain reflector used in observational courses and community observing nights. Astronomy students often participate in public outreach events, gaining real experience in telescope operation and science communication.
AstroTROUP & Internal Research Support
Programs like AstroTROUP provide paid (~$17/hr) research assistant positions to underrepresented students working on real astrophysical data (such as LMT projects), including training in scientific methods and programming skills.
Community of Learning & Professional Development
You’ll join journal clubs, astronomy colloquia, and seminars, where you're exposed to current research, engage in scientific discourse, and network with faculty and visiting scholars.
What You’ll Gain
Progression & Future Opportunities:
The BA in Astronomy at UMass Amherst provides a flexible yet rigorous foundation in physics, mathematics, and observational astronomy—preparing students for careers in science education, museum and planetarium work, science writing, data analysis, and public outreach. Graduates develop strong analytical and communication skills, making them competitive for roles like planetarium educator, museum specialist, research aide, or science communicator.
Career Services Support: Campus-wide career resources—including the Center for Career & Professional Development and academic advising within the Department of Astronomy—help students prepare resumes, plan internships, and connect with employers. 래Internship opportunities and job fairs are available through Handshake and departmental networks.
University–Industry & Research Partnerships: UMass is the only public New England university offering astronomy at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Leveraging the Five College Astronomy Department, students can cross-register at Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Hampshire. Observational facilities like Orchard Hill Observatory and participation in international projects such as the Large Millimeter Telescope (EHT) enrich hands-on learning.
Accreditation & Long‑Term Value: UMass Amherst is a Carnegie R1 research institution and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The BA in Astronomy benefits from faculty who lead NASA-sponsored missions (like the Probe FIR Mission), offering real-world exposure to cutting-edge astrophysics.
Graduation Outcomes: UMass astronomy graduates frequently proceed to graduate school, museums, planetariums, or science communication roles. Students report positive experiences in research and mentorship, citing small department size and strong faculty connections that support academic and professional growth.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates of the BA in Astronomy are well-prepared to pursue graduate programs in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics—with the option to combine with education or science communication. Many students choose to double major in physics to strengthen preparation for research-based graduate programs.
Students can also pursue departmental or Commonwealth Honors College tracks, completing an honors thesis and advanced coursework. Graduate pathways may include planetary science, data science, science education, or public policy—especially for students interested in leveraging interdisciplinary skills gained through cross-listing options within UMass and the Five College consortium.
UMass Amherst follows a test‑optional admissions policy through at least Fall 2027; standardized tests (SAT/ACT) are not required but scores may be submitted and are superscored.Application Deadlines (First-Year): Early Action: typically early November Regular Decision: mid-January (e.g., Jan 15)International/CBSE/IB applicants may apply without test scores; admissions evaluates high school transcripts and board results contextually. English proficiency tests are required unless instruction was primarily in English.English proficiency accepted: TOEFL iBT (~80+), IELTS (~6.5+), Duolingo (~115+), or equivalent; may be waived if SAT/ACT English meets standards.Letters of Recommendation are not required for admission; optional for scholarships or honors.Application platform: Common App or Coalition App required; includes personal essay only. No major-specific supplement.Interviews are not offered or required.Recommended high school coursework: four years of English; four years of math (with calculus strongly recommended); at least three years of laboratory science including physics; social studies; foreign language. Strong quantitative preparation expected for science majors.Degree structure and GPA: Minimum 120 total credits;Research participation encouraged but not required.Research Assistant – aids in astronomical research and data collectionObservatory Technician – operates and maintains telescopes and instrumentsPlanetarium Educator – teaches astronomy to the public in planetariumsData Analyst – processes and interprets astronomical datasetsScience Communicator – shares astronomy knowledge via media and outreachHigh School Science Teacher – teaches physics and astronomy subjectsSoftware Developer – creates programs for astronomy research or simulationsAerospace Technician – supports spacecraft and satellite testingSatellite Operations Analyst – oversees satellite systems and dataGraduate Student – pursues advanced degrees in astronomy or related fields
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University of Massachusetts Amherst
