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The University of Florida’s B.S. in Astronomy is a four-year, on-campus program designed to provide a rigorous foundation in astronomy, astrophysics, mathematics, and physics. The curriculum prepares students for graduate study in astronomy, astrophysics, or related fields, as well as for technical careers in research, education, or industry. The program emphasises advanced coursework in physics and mathematics, hands-on observational techniques, and research opportunities.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Begin with foundational mathematics and physics courses: MAC 2311 Calculus 1, MAC 2312 Calculus 2, PHY 2048 General Physics with Calculus 1, and PHY 2048L General Physics Lab 1. Develop scientific writing and inquiry skills through general education requirements.
Year 2: Advance to MAC 2313 Calculus 3, MAP 2302 Elementary Differential Equations, PHY 2049 General Physics with Calculus 2, and PHY 2049L General Physics Lab 2. Introduction to modern physics is provided by PHY 3101 Introduction to Modern Physics.
Year 3: Deepen your understanding with upper-level physics courses such as PHY 3221 Classical Mechanics 1, PHY 3323 Electricity and Magnetism 1, and AST 3018 Astronomy and Astrophysics 1. Begin laboratory work with AST 3722C Techniques of Observational Astronomy 1.
Year 4: Complete advanced modules including PHY 4222 Classical Mechanics 2, PHY 4324 Electricity and Magnetism 2, and a physics elective (such as PHY 3513 Thermal Physics, PHY 4422 Optics, PHY 4523 Statistical Mechanics, or PHY 4604 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics). Further specialise with AST 3019 Astronomy and Astrophysics 2 and 3000/4000-level astronomy electives.
Focus areas: The program covers classical and modern physics, observational and theoretical astrophysics, advanced mathematics, and computational methods.
Learning outcomes: Graduates will be able to apply mathematical and physical principles to astrophysical phenomena, conduct and analyse astronomical observations, use advanced instrumentation and computational tools, and carry out independent research. The program prepares students for graduate study or technical roles in research, education, and industry.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The curriculum is structured to meet the requirements for graduate programs in astronomy, astrophysics, and related fields, and aligns with industry and research standards.
Reputation: The University of Florida is recognised as a top public research university with a strong reputation in astronomy and astrophysics. The program offers access to research, internships, and hands-on projects with faculty who are active in national and international collaborations.
If you’re passionate about exploring the universe with advanced technology and real research opportunities, the University of Florida’s B.S. in Astronomy offers you an immersive, hands-on experience. You’ll learn in the Bryant Space Science Centre—a hub for astronomical research and innovation—and gain direct access to professional observatories, world-class instrumentation labs, and powerful computing resources. The department’s facilities and partnerships put you at the forefront of astronomical discovery, whether you’re interested in observational astronomy, data analysis, or instrument design.
Here’s how UF Astronomy students experience hands-on learning and research:
Three On-Site Observatories: Access UF’s Campus Teaching Observatory, Rosemary Hill Observatory, and the Robinson Observatory for direct experience with telescopes, imaging, and spectroscopy.
Gran Telescopio CANARIAS Partnership: Work with data and instrumentation from one of the world’s largest optical telescopes, thanks to UF’s partner-level access in collaboration with Spain and Mexico.
Astronomical Instrumentation Program: Participate in an in-house design-through-fabrication program, where students and faculty build advanced near- and mid-infrared instruments for major telescopes worldwide—including the Gemini North and South Telescopes and Gran Telescopio CANARIAS.
HiPerGator Supercomputer: Analyse astronomical data and run simulations using UF’s HiPerGator, one of the most powerful university supercomputers in the country, supporting research in computational astrophysics and big data analysis.
Departmental Computing Facilities: Use a dedicated network of high-performance computers running Linux and OS-X, maintained by a full-time systems manager, for coursework and research projects.
Sloan Digital Sky Survey Collaboration: Engage with data and research from major international projects mapping the universe’s structure, stellar populations, and galactic evolution.
Public Outreach and Observing Nights: Share your passion for astronomy through weekly public observing nights and annual Starry Night events at the Campus Teaching Observatory, reaching thousands in the community.
Faculty-Led Research: Join research in solar systems, star formation, galaxies, cosmology, and exoplanet instrumentation, working alongside faculty with active grants and international collaborations.
Graduates of the University of Florida’s B.S. in Astronomy are prepared for rewarding careers as research scientists, observatory technicians, data analysts, and science educators. With a rigorous curriculum and strong university resources, you’ll be ready for both advanced study and technical roles in research, education, and industry. Here’s how UF supports your progression and opportunities.
Here’s how the University of Florida supports your future:
Advising and research opportunities: The Department of Astronomy offers personalised academic advising, faculty mentorship, and undergraduate research opportunities, including hands-on experience in observational astronomy and astrophysics.
Curriculum strengths: Students develop strong skills in mechanics, electromagnetism, modern physics, and advanced observational techniques, with a curriculum that emphasises critical thinking and scientific communication.
Accreditation and ranking: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is regionally accredited, and UF is ranked #40 in the U.S. for astronomy and astrophysics, ensuring your degree is highly respected by employers and graduate schools.
Career services and internships: UF Career Connections Centre provides access to career fairs, resume workshops, and connects students to internships and job opportunities at research labs, observatories, and tech companies.
Career and graduate readiness: Graduates are well-prepared for roles in research, education, and technical fields, and many continue to top-tier graduate programs in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics.
Further Academic Progression: After earning your B.S. in Astronomy at UF, you’ll be highly competitive for master’s programs in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics, leading to advanced research, university teaching, or technical leadership roles at observatories, research labs, and space agencies.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predicted / Submit SRAR (Self-Reported Academic Report)All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT, ACT or Classic Learning Test (CLT) results are required for all freshman applicantsCommon App personal essay (up to 650 words)Complete the UF Supplement. This includes a few additional short-answer questions so that Admissions can learn more about you when reviewing your application For the materials deadlines above, you must submit all of the application materials (SSAR or high school transcript, and the self-reported or official test scores) by the November 15 Early Action deadline or the January 31 Regular Decision deadlineAll applicants must submit test scores from the SAT, ACT and/or CLT. UF will superscore (take the highest scores for each subsection) to create the highest possible total score4 Years of Mathematics (at or above the Algebra 1 level)Highlight research experience, science competitions, or unique extracurriculars in your applicationPortfolio, project links, or YouTube channel to enhance your application (optional)Apply via the CommonAppAstrophysicistAstronomerResearch ScientistData AnalystObservatory TechnicianScience CommunicatorPhysics TeacherSpace Industry SpecialistComputational ScientistTechnical Analyst
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