BS in Astronomy

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy (BS) at the University of Kansas is a four‑year, on‑campus degree tailored for students planning to continue into graduate study, research careers, or professional astrophysics roles. The program emphasizes a competitive foundation in physics, mathematics, and hands‑on research—ensuring you develop into a confident scientific contributor.

Experiential Learning Highlights:

Here’s how KU’s astronomy BS program delivers practical skills, research engagement, and observational experience:

• Undergraduate Research Requirement:
  All BS Astronomy students are required to complete at least one semester of research, typically starting early in their career. Students routinely publish work, present at conferences, and contribute to faculty-led studies.

• Faculty‑Mentored Observational & Computational Research:
  KU houses the largest astronomy research group in the state, focused on observational projects—from James Webb Space Telescope data to exoplanet atmosphere analysis. Students work alongside professors on real-world problem-solving in galaxy evolution, black holes, and more.

• Summer REU & Grant-Funded Experience:
  KU offers a 10‑week Physics & Astronomy REU with stipend, housing, coding bootcamp, and conference-travel support. Additional funding is available via university grants and faculty projects. 

• Diverse Research Project Areas:
  Projects include radio detection of neutrinos (ARA/ANITA in Antarctica), exoplanet studies with Crossfield’s team, Milky Way gas mapping via ALMA surveys, and space probe data analysis (Voyager, Cassini). These open opportunities for simulation, observation, and instrumentation work.

• Access to Mount Laguna Observatory:
  KU collaborates with San Diego State University to use a 1.0 m telescope at Mount Laguna Observatory, enabling observational data collection and instrumentation training.

• Public Outreach & Observing Events:
  KU Astronomy runs regular public telescope nights, portable planetarium shows, and outreach through the Astronomy Associates of Lawrence—providing student leadership opportunities and public engagement experience.

• Community & Presentation Practice:
  Many students present at the Mid‑America Regional Astronomy Conference or KU’s College research showcases. KU also awards scholarships like the Courtwright Award recognizing outstanding student research.

These experiential components give you:

• Hands-on use of astronomical data from leading observatories (JWST, TESS, ALMA, Keck, VLA)

• Real-world research experience in instrumentation, computation, and observation

• Strong coding and data-analysis skills using tools like Python and high-performance computing

• Presentation, proposal-writing, and communication training via symposiums and outreach

• Funding support through scholarships, REU, and faculty grants

This BS in Astronomy at KU prepares you exceptionally well for graduate programs, NASA or national-lab research roles, data science, instrumentation development, or academic careers. The department’s faculty-led research portfolio and commitment to undergraduate inclusion ensure you engage in meaningful science from day one.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
KU’s BS in Astronomy is a rigorous, research-oriented program designed for students who want to pursue scientific or technical careers in space science, astrophysics, or related industries. With strong foundations in physics, mathematics, and observational techniques, graduates are prepared for roles such as astrophysicist, aerospace analyst, telescope instrumentation engineer, or data scientist. This degree sets students up for both professional employment and advanced graduate studies.

• Career Services Support: KU’s University Career Center offers dedicated services for STEM majors, including one-on-one advising, science career fairs, and job search tools via HireJayhawks.com. KU’s Undergraduate Research program also helps connect students to faculty-led projects.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Approximately 92% of KU graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months. BS Astronomy graduates can expect starting salaries in the range of $65,000 to $90,000, especially when entering roles in aerospace, research, or data-intensive fields.

• University–Industry Partnerships: KU students benefit from research collaborations with NASA, NRAO, and observatories across the Midwest. Opportunities are also available through REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) and internships with agencies such as NOAA and private aerospace firms.

• Accreditation & Prestige: KU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and holds Carnegie R1 status, which marks it as a top-tier research university—ensuring academic quality and recognition of your degree worldwide.

• Graduation Outcomes: Graduates of KU’s BS in Astronomy have gone on to prestigious graduate programs in astrophysics, secured roles at national observatories and research labs, or transitioned into the aerospace and defense industries.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates are ideally positioned to pursue Master’s or PhD programs in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics at KU or top institutions globally. The strong quantitative and computational background also opens doors to interdisciplinary graduate programs in fields such as Data Science, Planetary Science, or Aerospace Engineering.