Overview

The Astronomy and Astrophysics program at Pennsylvania State University involves development of instrumentation, observations of celestial objects with ground- and space-based telescopes, and interpretation of findings using the mathematical laws of physics such as gravity, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.

The undergraduate major provides a strong and broad foundation in mathematics, physical science and computation as well as a detailed understanding of modern astronomy.

Many research opportunities are available to complement the formal classwork. Graduates proceed to advanced degrees in astronomy and other sciences, and into a wide variety of technical professions.

Careers

Many of our alumni pursue graduate education in astrophysics after completing our undergraduate degree. Students apply to enter PhD programs in astrophysics in the fall of their senior year.
Some students choose to do graduate work in related fields such as physics, geoscience / planetary science, ecology, or engineering.
Other students have successfully pursued master’s degrees in education in order to earn teaching certification to teach physics or Earth and space science.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Astronomical Universe
The Sky and Planets
Elementary Astronomy Laboratory
Astronomical Methods and the Solar System
Astronomy of the Distant Universe
General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

125 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

University Park, United States

Disciplines

Physics Astronomy & Space Sciences View 1437 other Bachelors in Physics in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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120

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IELTS

6.5

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Application
Official secondary school records
Official test scores: SAT or ACT
English language proficiency, if your native language is not English

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

43290 USD / year

≈ 43290 USD / year
Out-of-State

41790 USD / year

≈ 41790 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

20644 USD / year

≈ 20644 USD / year

Living costs

University Park

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

University Park

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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