BS Astronomy & Astrophysic

If you want to explore the universe through hands-on research, advanced technology, and a close-knit academic community, the BS in Astronomy at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor is an outstanding choice. This program blends rigorous coursework with practical experience, preparing you for graduate study, research, or a career in science and technology.

Here’s how experiential learning comes to life in this program:

• Faculty-led research: Work directly with faculty on observational projects, computer modelling, or data analysis—often resulting in published work or conference presentations. With a 1:4 faculty-student ratio and a strong mentoring culture, you’ll get personalised guidance and support throughout your degree.

• Student Astronomical Society (SAS): Join a vibrant, student-run club that organises public observing nights, study groups, outreach events, and observing trips—giving you practical experience in science communication and teamwork.

• External research opportunities: Apply for prestigious summer research programs at national observatories, labs, or the Space Telescope Science Institute, gaining exposure to major research projects and professional astronomers.

• Angell Hall Observatory: The primary student observatory features a 0.4-m (16-inch) Ritchey-Chretien reflector with a spectrograph and camera, a small radio telescope, and several Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. Here, undergraduates get their first exposure to professional-grade telescopes and real astronomical data.

• Detroit Observatory: A historic campus observatory, one of the oldest of its kind in the nation, offering a unique perspective on the history and practice of astronomy at Michigan.

• Planetarium: Located in Angell Hall, the teaching planetarium uses a Zeiss ZKP 3/B projector in a 24-ft dome to simulate the night sky for classes and outreach, compressing celestial events so you can visualise astronomical phenomena in minutes.

• Privileged access to global telescopes: Michigan Astronomy maintains partnerships with leading observatories worldwide, including Magellan (Chile), MDM (Arizona), and NOEMA (France), giving students and faculty substantial guaranteed observing time and access to data across the electromagnetic spectrum.

• High-performance computing: The university offers powerful computing platforms for data-intensive analysis, simulations, and research, supporting both coursework and faculty-led projects.

• Modern classrooms and labs: You’ll learn in high-end classrooms and dynamic labs, using spectrometers, CCD imagers, and advanced image processing tools to analyse astronomical data.

Graduates of the University of Michigan’s BS in Astronomy program are ready to shine in a variety of fields—whether you’re aiming to become a research scientist, data analyst, technical specialist, or science educator. Many alumni go on to top graduate programs or find success in government, industry, and innovative science communication roles.

Here’s how Michigan helps you launch your future:

• Personalised Career Support: The department puts students first, giving you priority access to world-class telescopes, including the Magellan and MDM observatories, and hands-on research experiences from day one. Faculty are committed mentors, and you’ll have opportunities to author papers, present at conferences, and build a strong professional network.

• Impressive Graduate Outcomes: Michigan astronomy majors are well-prepared for competitive graduate programs and research careers. Recent alumni have secured prestigious fellowships (like Chandra/Einstein, Hubble, and NSF) and report high satisfaction with their Michigan experience.

• Industry and Research Partnerships: The department is leading its first NASA-supported space mission (STARI), giving students exposure to cutting-edge research in exoplanet detection and space technology. Michigan’s close ties with NASA and other research organisations mean you’ll be part of projects shaping the future of astronomy.

• Top Rankings & Accreditation: The program is ranked #10 nationally and #1 in Michigan for astronomy and astrophysics, ensuring your degree is recognised and respected by employers and graduate schools everywhere.

• Versatile, In-Demand Skills: You’ll graduate with robust abilities in physics, mathematics, programming, and scientific communication. The curriculum is math- and physics-intensive, with a strong research component—ideal preparation for both immediate employment and further study.

Further Academic Progression: After finishing your BS in Astronomy at Michigan, you’ll be set to pursue a master’s in astronomy, astrophysics, or related fields at Michigan or other leading universities. You’ll also be ready for professional programs in education, engineering, or data science, all supported by Michigan’s outstanding research environment, faculty mentorship, and global reputation.