Bachelors in Astronomy

At USC, you’ll gain hands-on experience through advanced coursework, research projects, and access to cutting-edge observatories and laboratories. The program emphasises both theoretical understanding and practical skills, with opportunities to engage in observational astronomy, data analysis, and experimental physics.

Here’s how you’ll build your expertise and where you’ll do it:

• Space Sciences Centre: Collaborate with faculty and researchers working on solar and space science projects, benefiting from USC’s strong focus on interdisciplinary research.

• Wilson Observatory: Work with one of the world’s largest interferometric telescopic arrays for stellar research, gaining practical observational experience.

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Partnership: Leverage USC’s collaborations with JPL, a NASA centre renowned for planetary exploration missions, offering internships and research opportunities.

• High Degree Helioseismology Network: Participate in research involving solar oscillations and internal solar structure using data from this specialised network.

• Advanced Coursework: Take classes in physics, calculus, cosmology, galaxies, and the solar system that include lab components and data analysis projects.

• Undergraduate Research: Engage in faculty-mentored research, often contributing to publications or conference presentations, and gain experience with professional scientific software and data sets.

• Access to Computing Resources: Use USC’s high-performance computing facilities for astrophysical simulations and data processing.

• Small Class Sizes & Faculty Mentorship: Benefit from close interaction with professors who guide your academic and research development.

Graduates of the University of Southern California’s BS in Astronomy program enjoy strong career prospects in research, data analysis, science education, and space technology—typical roles include astronomer, astrophysicist, data scientist, and research technician.

USC’s rigorous curriculum and vibrant research environment prepare you for these opportunities and beyond:

• University Services: USC offers personalised academic advising through the Department of Physics and Astronomy, access to state-of-the-art laboratories and the USC Space Sciences Centre, and career support services including internships and networking events tailored to STEM students.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Astronomy and physics graduates typically enter high-demand STEM fields with competitive starting salaries. USC’s strong industry connections and alumni network enhance employment prospects in research institutions, aerospace, and technology sectors.

• University–Industry Partnerships: USC collaborates with leading institutions such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Caltech), Wilson Observatory, and the High Degree Helioseismology Network, providing students with cutting-edge research opportunities and professional connections.

• Long-term Accreditation Value: USC’s program is part of the highly regarded Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, ensuring your degree is recognised worldwide for academic rigour and research excellence.

• Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with a solid foundation in physics, mathematics, and astronomy, equipped to pursue graduate study or careers in research, education, data science, and space-related industries.

Further Academic Progression: USC’s BS in Astronomy prepares you to continue your education in top graduate programs in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, or related fields. With USC’s strong emphasis on research and faculty mentorship, many graduates successfully pursue master’s degrees, advancing to careers in academia, government research labs, or the aerospace industry.