BS Planetary Science and Astronomy

You’ll develop practical skills from day one, using Penn State’s advanced observatories, research labs, and digital tools. The program is designed to give you broad training in astronomy, geoscience, math, and physics in your first two years, then lets you customise your upper-level coursework to fit your interests—whether that’s more astrophysics, planetary geology, meteorology, or science education.

Here’s how you’ll get hands-on experience and build your expertise:

• On-Campus Observatory and Research Labs: Use Penn State’s on-campus observatory and specialised labs for observational astronomy, planetary geology, and data analysis, supporting both coursework and independent research.

• Students Together for Astronomy Research (STAR) Program: Participate in STAR, a unique program that matches you with graduate students, postdocs, or faculty for real research projects—earning course credit while building your research skills and expanding your astronomy knowledge.

• Flexible, Interdisciplinary Coursework: Choose advanced electives across astrophysics, geosciences, geography, meteorology, and science education to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals.

• Instrumental and Observational Training: Get hands-on with spectroscopic and photometric techniques, and learn to use high-precision visible and near-infrared light spectrographs, X-ray telescopes, and other advanced instruments as part of your coursework and research.

• Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Work directly with faculty on projects in areas like planet formation, stellar dynamics, cosmology, and planetary system searches—often leading to presentations at conferences or co-authorship on scientific papers.

• Support for Science Communication and Outreach: Gain experience in science education and outreach, including opportunities to work at planetariums or in public engagement roles after graduation.

• Access to Penn State’s Libraries and Digital Resources: Use extensive library and digital resources for research, data analysis, and literature reviews.

Graduates of Penn State’s BS in Planetary Science and Astronomy are ready for exciting futures in research, education, industry, and science communication—think planetary scientist, environmental consultant, planetarium educator, or data analyst.

Here’s how Penn State sets you up for success:

• University Services: You’ll have access to hands-on laboratory experiences, telescope training, and personalised academic advising through the Eberly College of Science. The program emphasises both oral and written science communication, helping you build skills to share complex ideas with the public and your peers.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: While specific program placement rates aren’t published, Penn State science graduates consistently report strong job placement and competitive starting salaries. The blend of geoscience, physics, astronomy, and data analysis in this degree opens doors in government, industry, and education.

• University–Industry Partnerships: Penn State’s Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics collaborates with NASA, national observatories, and leading research labs. Students often participate in real-world projects, from exoplanet discovery to planetary surface analysis, and can connect with employers through career fairs and research symposia.

• Long-term Accreditation Value: As a program in the renowned Eberly College of Science, your degree is recognised worldwide for its academic rigour and interdisciplinary training. You’ll graduate with a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and geosciences.

• Graduation Outcomes: You’ll be prepared for roles in research institutions, environmental regulation, informal science venues like museums and planetariums, or even teaching. Many students also pursue science communication or contribute to the defence and space exploration sectors.

Further Academic Progression: If you’re thinking about graduate school, you’re in the right place — Penn State’s BS in Planetary Science and Astronomy prepares you for master’s programs in planetary science, astronomy, geoscience, or science education. Many graduates go on to advanced study or specialised certification, paving the way for leadership in academia, research, or public engagement.