BA Astronomy

At Brown, you’ll gain practical skills by working directly with faculty and peers in both the classroom and the field. The program blends rigorous coursework in physics, mathematics, and planetary geology with real-world research and observational opportunities. You’ll have access to unique facilities and resources that are deeply integrated into your studies, ensuring you graduate with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Here’s how you’ll get involved and build your expertise:

• Ladd Observatory: Use Brown’s historic Ladd Observatory for direct observational astronomy. This iconic facility, a cornerstone of Brown’s astronomy program, allows you to participate in night sky observations, public outreach, and research projects involving telescopic imaging and data analysis.

• Advanced Laboratory Courses: Take part in upper-level lab courses such as “Experiments in Modern Physics” and “Modern Physics Laboratory,” where you’ll use specialised equipment to explore astrophysical phenomena and develop technical research skills.

• Interdisciplinary Electives: Choose from electives like “Planetary Geology,” “Remote Sensing of Earth and Planetary Surfaces,” and “Physics of Planetary Evolution” to gain experience with digital mapping, remote sensing tools, and planetary data analysis.

• Research with Faculty: Collaborate on research projects in stellar structure, extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, and more—often leading to independent study or honours theses under faculty mentorship.

• Mathematical and Computational Tools: Courses in linear algebra, mathematical physics, and applied mathematics ensure you’re proficient in the quantitative and computational methods essential for modern astronomy.

• Access to Brown’s Libraries and Physics Department Resources: Benefit from the university’s extensive library system and departmental resources for literature reviews, data analysis, and research support.

Graduates of Brown University’s BA in Astronomy program launch into exciting and diverse careers—think data analyst, research associate, science educator, or software developer. You’ll join a group of alumni who are thriving in STEM fields and beyond, thanks to Brown’s blend of rigorous academics and real-world preparation.

Here’s how Brown supports your progression and future opportunities:

• University Services: Brown’s Centre for Career Exploration connects you with global opportunities, internships, and a powerful alumni network. You’ll benefit from personalised career advising, resume workshops, and job fairs designed to help you land that first job or research position.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Brown graduates report an average early career salary of about $65,000, well above national averages. An impressive 88% of Brown alumni say the university prepared them for their current career, and 13% are in director or manager roles just ten years out.

• University–Industry Partnerships: Through the Career Exploration Centre and Brown’s extensive alumni network, you’ll have access to mentorship, job leads, and connections in fields like technology, research, education, and communications.

• Long-term Accreditation Value: Brown’s astronomy program is part of the Ivy League and is grounded in a tradition of academic excellence, ensuring your degree is recognised and respected worldwide.

• Graduation Outcomes: Brown astronomy majors are prepared for entry into the competitive STEM workplace, equipped with technical and problem-solving skills that open doors in the modern, high-tech world.

Further Academic Progression: If you’re thinking about graduate school, you’ll be in great company—many Brown astronomy graduates continue on to master’s programs in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, or data science, often at top institutions. Brown’s strong research emphasis and faculty mentorship will give you a solid foundation for advanced study and a career at the cutting edge of science.