Overview

About Astronomy at The University of Iowa

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers challenging courses on a variety of subjects. You'll begin with courses that teach problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and technical skills. Advanced classes usually have 15-20 students, allowing maximum individual attention. As you progress through the major, you'll have opportunities to conduct research or participate in one of the many internships available at national laboratories and other facilities.

Astronomy majors will be able to:

demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts in astrophysics such as gravity, the nature of light, the physical characteristics of matter, and the motions of astronomical objects in the night sky;

demonstrate proficiency in each of the major areas of astronomy—cosmology, galaxies, accretion and compact objects, the life cycle, and properties of stars and solar system science;

show a working knowledge of a broad array of astrophysical phenomena that are based upon fundamental concepts; and

gain familiarity with astronomical observations, instrumentation, computational methods, and software.

Careers

Astronomy graduates have mastered skills that are readily transferable to a number of fields. They might choose to work in research, engineering, software development, teaching, finance, biomedical research, or consulting. Some graduates plan for careers in secondary school science teaching or science-related administration or plan to earn professional degrees.

About 70 percent of physics and astronomy graduates go on to graduate school. With help from the department’s in-house recruiting office, they win acceptance to some of the best graduate programs in the country.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Calculus

Physics

Mechanics

Laboratory

Optics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Iowa City, United States

Disciplines

Astronomy & Space Sciences View 250 other Bachelors in Astronomy & Space Sciences 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

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Submit an application

Pay the $40 application fee

Upload your academic records

If your first language is not English: Have the testing agency send us your TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score, if applicable, based on our English Proficiency Requirements

Have your ACT or SAT score sent to us by the testing agency.

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

33710 USD / year

≈ 33710 USD / year
Out-of-State

33710 USD / year

≈ 33710 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11622 USD / year

≈ 11622 USD / year

Living costs

Iowa City

United States

1187 - 1841 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.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

About Astronomy at The University of Iowa

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

Iowa City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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