BS Astronomy

If you want to explore the universe with real scientific tools and work alongside leaders in space research, the BS in Astronomy at Caltech offers an unparalleled, hands-on experience. Caltech’s program is built around experiential learning—giving you direct access to advanced instruments, research opportunities, and a vibrant scientific community from your very first year.

You’ll develop practical skills and use world-class facilities through:

• Observational Astronomy Labs: Hands-on, project-based courses where you design, propose, and execute astronomical observations, followed by data reduction and analysis using professional software and techniques.

• Optical Astronomy Instrumentation Lab: Weekly lab experiments covering radiometry, optics, spectroscopy, CCD and infrared detector technology, adaptive optics, and more. You’ll get firsthand experience with the tools of modern astronomy, including wavefront sensors and coronography.

• Senior Thesis Research Project: As a senior, you’ll work closely with a faculty adviser to design and carry out an original research project—an experience that includes formulating questions, conducting research, and presenting your findings in a formal thesis.

• Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF): Participate in Caltech’s signature 10-week summer research program, working with faculty or at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on cutting-edge projects. Many students also join research during the academic year.

• LIGO and NASA/JPL Summer Programs: Get involved in gravitational-wave astronomy or space science through intensive summer research experiences at Caltech or JPL.

• Access to Advanced Facilities: Use Caltech’s on-campus observatories, research centers, and the resources of the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy—including libraries, computing clusters, and instrumentation labs.

• Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Projects: Work in small teams on group projects and benefit from Caltech’s low student-faculty ratio, ensuring plenty of mentorship and guidance.

California Institute of Technology’s (Caltech) BS in Astronomy prepares students for leading roles in research, technology, and academia through rigorous training and unmatched access to cutting-edge facilities. Graduates are highly employable, moving into roles such as research scientist, data analyst, software engineer, scientific programmer, observatory specialist, and science educator. Many alumni pursue graduate studies (MSc) in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, or related fields at top institutions worldwide, and Caltech’s reputation opens doors in technology, engineering, and finance.

Here’s how Caltech specifically supports your future:

• Career Services: The Astrophysics option is designed to give students a deep understanding of modern astronomy and astrophysics, stimulate interest in research, and provide a strong basis for graduate work. Students participate in hands-on laboratory and computational courses, such as “Introduction to Modern Research,” “Astronomical Measurements and Instrumentation,” and “Introduction to Astronomical Observation” (which includes field trips to Palomar Observatory). Upper-level students complete a senior thesis involving original research, mentored by Caltech faculty, and courses like “Writing in Astronomy” develop scientific communication skills. The program emphasises practical experience, with nearly all students undertaking multiple research projects—often resulting in conference presentations or publications.

• Industry Partnerships: Caltech’s Astronomy Department is deeply involved in major NASA missions and collaborations with institutions such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Palomar Observatory, and the Thirty Meter Telescope project. Students work alongside leading scientists on cutting-edge research in areas including exoplanets, cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, and astronomical instrumentation. The department’s strong research culture and partnerships provide access to internships, collaborative projects, and industry networking.

• Employment Stats: Caltech astronomy graduates are in demand for their advanced quantitative, programming, and analytical skills. Alumni have secured positions at NASA, JPL, observatories, universities, and technology companies. Many pursue further study at top graduate programs in the US and abroad. The program’s flexibility allows students to tailor their coursework with electives in engineering, computer science, or planetary science to match their career goals.

• Accreditation: The BS in Astronomy (Astrophysics Option) at Caltech is fully recognised in the US and internationally, and fulfils prerequisites for graduate and professional programs in science, engineering, and education.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with advanced skills in physics, mathematics, programming, data analysis, and scientific communication. The curriculum covers the evolving universe, galaxies and cosmology, planetary sciences, radiative processes, and astronomical instrumentation, preparing graduates for both immediate employment and further academic or professional training.

Further Academic Progression: After your BS in Astronomy at Caltech, you can pursue a master’s in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, or related fields, or enter professional roles in research, technology, education, or science communication. The program’s strong research environment, faculty mentorship, and global reputation support a wide range of academic and professional pathways.