BS in Astronomy

Pursuing a BS in Astronomy at Iowa State University offers a full four‑year, in‑person experience rooted in ISU’s signature “Learn by Doing” philosophy. You’ll dive into real observational, computational, and instrumentation-based astronomy—with hands-on research and expert faculty mentorship from Year 1.

Experiential Learning Highlights:

Here’s how your journey in astronomy at ISU builds real skills and research experience:

• Faculty‑Mentored Research Projects:
  ISU’s Astronomy expertise spans exoplanets, stellar astrophysics, interstellar medium, and particle astrophysics. Undergraduates routinely join faculty groups working on TESS/Kepler analysis, cosmic-ray and gamma-ray studies, neutrino detection, and instrumentation design within the VERITAS collaboration

• Hands‑On Independent & Capstone Research:
  Students can begin projects early through UROP or honors tracks, earning research credit and presenting at university symposia. Senior-year work can culminate in a capstone or thesis-style project with strong faculty mentorship.

• Ames National Laboratory Access:
  On-campus DOE research lab where many faculty hold joint appointments. Undergraduates can join real instrumentation or computing projects—often benefiting from advanced lab resources right next door.

• Research Scholarships & Funding Support:
  ISU offers targeted undergraduate research funding—David Collins Memorial Scholarship, Bernice Black Durand Scholarship, among others—that provide paid hours to support hands-on astronomy work.

• Computation & Data Analysis Facilities:
  Although Fick Observatory has closed, ISU students still perform observational labs from campus and regional dark-sky sites. High-performance computing and astrophysical modeling tools support data-heavy research workflows.

• Student Clubs & Outreach:
  The Physics & Astronomy Club (PAC) facilitates community building, peer learning, and occasional observing or outreach events. Students participate in Ames-area dark-sky field trips to regions like McFarland Park for nighttime observing.

• Effective Departmental Curriculum:
  ISU’s astronomy minor (when paired with physics major) integrates computational labs, observational methods, and instrumentation—not just theory—and encourages project-based learning aligned with faculty research.

• University-Level Research Ecosystem:
  Through UROP and ISGC (Iowa Space Grant Consortium), students access paid research roles, multi-disciplinary labs, and opportunities to present at campus showcases and national events.

These experiences equip you with:

• Real-world astronomical research experience in observation, instrumentation, and simulation

• Hands-on data analysis using Python and high-performance computing resources

• Collaborative skills through faculty-led projects and peer-driven club activities

• Grant writing and research proposal exposure via funded scholarships and UROP

• Presentation and communication skills at campus symposia and research showcases

You’ll graduate confident in your scientific abilities—prepared for graduate programs, research positions, data science roles, or technical careers in astronomy and physics.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
The BS in Astronomy at Iowa State University is designed for students aiming to pursue scientific and technical careers or advanced study in astrophysics and related fields. With a strong emphasis on mathematics, physics, and computational analysis, graduates are prepared for roles such as astrophysicist, aerospace engineer, observatory technician, or scientific programmer. This degree provides the depth and rigor needed to succeed in both industry and academia:

• Career Services Support: Students benefit from specialized support through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Career Services, including STEM-focused career advising, resume reviews, and job search strategies. CyHire, Iowa State’s career platform, connects students with internship and job opportunities across research labs and tech companies.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: 95% of Iowa State graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months. Astronomy BS graduates entering research or tech roles can expect starting salaries between $60,000 and $85,000, particularly if paired with computational or engineering skills.

• University–Industry Partnerships: Iowa State has long-standing collaborations with agencies like NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and national labs such as Ames Laboratory and Los Alamos, giving students access to faculty-led research and internships.

• Accreditation & Prestige: Iowa State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is recognized as a Carnegie R1 research institution, which ensures academic rigor and global recognition for your degree.

• Graduation Outcomes: Alumni of the BS program have gone on to top graduate programs, joined aerospace and tech companies, or taken on research roles at national observatories and labs.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates of the BS in Astronomy are well-prepared for PhD or Master’s programs in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics. Many also pursue advanced interdisciplinary studies in areas such as Aerospace Engineering, Planetary Science, Data Science, or Artificial Intelligence—fields where Iowa State’s research background and technical training offer a strong foundation.