BS in Space Science

Experiential Learning Highlights

• Faculty‑Mentored Undergraduate Research
  From early on, you can join research groups focused on cosmology, planetary science, instrumentation, radio astronomy, stellar astrophysics, and more. Research is supported through independent study, honors work, or summer internships, often leading to presentations or co-authorship on publications.

• Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT) Collaboration
  UMass is the U.S. partner in the international effort behind Mexico’s 50‑m LMT. Undergraduates participate in both instrument development and actual observations using millimeter-wave data—working on real scientific investigations.

• Observatory Access and Telescope Labs
  Qualified students use local optical telescopes with CCD cameras at Amherst and access to a 2.4 m-class telescope in Arizona for both teaching and research labs.

• High-Performance Computing & Simulation
  Students use UMass’s Beowulf-style HPC clusters for computational astrophysics—simulating galaxy dynamics, cosmic structure formation, and analyzing data from facilities like the LMT.

• Summer Internship Opportunities (Five-College Program)
  The Five College Astronomy Department offers a paid 10‑week summer internship (opens in June) where you conduct supervised research using optical, IR, X-ray, or radio datasets. Includes professional workshops and peer research engagement. 

• Seminars, Journal Clubs & Research Community
  Participate in weekly astronomy colloquia, journal clubs, and departmental seminars—interacting with faculty, grad students, and visiting experts to stay current with research. 

• Capstone and Honors Work
  While not mandatory, honors-level independent study and senior thesis options are available, enabling you to design and present a year-long research project under mentorship.

• Five College Observatory Involvement
  Through the Five College consortium, students have access to regional observatories like the former Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory and public observing nights at Orchard Hill Observatory, gaining practical telescope experience.

• Community Support & Mentoring
  UMass astronomy maintains a close-knit mentorship culture. Peers recommend joining the Physics & Astronomy Society and reaching out early to faculty—most labs welcome motivated undergraduates. 

What You’ll Learn & Gain

• Real-world research experience across observational, theoretical, and instrumentation domains
• Telescope operation and astronomical imaging using both local and remote facilities
• Proficiency with astrophysical data analysis and computational modeling using HPC tools
• Ability to design and present research projects via capstone or honors programs
• Active involvement in research communities through seminars, internships, and interdisciplinary centers

At UMass Amherst, the Space Science Track emphasizes not just coursework—but real-world engagement in mission-oriented astronomy and astrophysics. Students graduate equipped for graduate school or careers in space research, mission planning, instrumentation, or scientific analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Graduates of UMass Amherst’s BS in Space Science program develop strong quantitative, analytical, and theoretical skills in physics, astronomy, and space science—making them well-suited for careers in NASA-related research, observatory support, data science, or science outreach. Typical roles include space research technician, astronomical data analyst, planetary mission team member, or science educator.

• Career Services Support: UMass’s Center for Career & Professional Development assists STEM students with internship placement, resume and interviewing workshops, and employer networking via Handshake. The Department of Astronomy pairs undergraduates with faculty for research and offers tailored academic and career advising.

• University–Industry Partnerships: The program engages students with astronomical research facilities such as the Orchard Hill Observatory, the Five-College Astronomy Observatory, and high-profile projects like UMass’s participation in NASA-sponsored missions (including the PRIMA far-IR mission concept). Undergraduates often join summer research programs or collaborate on faculty-led studies.

• Accreditation & Long‑Term Value: UMass Amherst is a Carnegie R1 research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The BS in Space Science curriculum combines core physics and astronomy, preparing students for graduate programs or professional pathways.

• Graduation Outcomes: According to UMass data, about 87% of 2024 graduates secure career-related outcomes within six months, many in scientific, technical, or advanced study roles. Alumni go on to positions at NASA centers, observatories, and technology firms or enter science education and public outreach.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates are well-prepared for Master’s or PhD programs in Astrophysics, Astronomy, or Physics, whether at UMass Amherst’s graduate program or elsewhere. UMass’s program provides rigorous preparation in observational and theoretical astrophysics. Beyond that, the strong analytical and computational foundations support interdisciplinary graduate studies in fields such as Planetary Science, Data Science, Engineering, or Science Communication—often linked with research centers affiliated with UMass and its Five College Astronomy consortium.