Overview

If coupled with a major in physics, the Astronomy major at the Smith College provides the foundation to pursue a career as a professional astronomer. Advanced courses in mathematics and a facility in computer programming are strongly encouraged.

Many astronomy majors conduct independent research projects, experiencing both the discipline and the excitement of making astronomical discoveries. Recent senior thesis projects “Studying Accretion and Winds in Young Stars with Spectroscopy” by Jenny Podel ’14 and “Revisiting Forbidden Lines in T Tauri Stars,” by Wanda Feng ’15 won the Five College Astronomy Mary Dailey Irvine Prize for best undergraduate thesis, and “Worlds Beyond: Follow-up Observations and Confirmation of K2 Exoplanet Candidates” by Rachel O’Connor ’18 won the Chambliss Student Award from the American Astronomical Society.

Learning Outcomes

Be an active learner/researcher; be able to recognize and define important questions and know how to go about finding the answers.
Be familiar with basic concepts from physics and astronomy, including gravity, the nature of light and physical characteristics of matter, and be able to use them as the basis for critical reasoning.
Be skilled at quantitative problem solving incorporating hypothesis formation, data analysis, error analysis, conceptual modeling, numerical computation and hypothesis testing through quantitative comparison between observation and theoretical concepts.
Be familiar with scientific instrumentation used by professional astronomers.
Be familiar with digital imaging as a source of scientific data, including techniques of acquisition, reduction and analysis.
Demonstrate use of critical thinking skills in well-organized, logical and scientifically sound oral and written scientific reports.
Be able to critically evaluate representations of science in the media, both in writing and in speaking.
Be able to communicate science effectively to the general public and the media.
Be aware of and prepared for the variety of opportunities and career paths that are open to students who have majored in astronomy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Survey of the Universe
Planetary Science
Stellar Astronomy
Galaxies and Dark Matter
Cosmology
Astronomy and Public Policy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Astronomy & Space Sciences View 237 other Bachelors in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United States

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

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Other requirements

General requirements

Common Application or Coalition Application
Smith Writing Supplement
Secondary School Report, including official high school transcript
Counselor Recommendation
Two Teacher Evaluation Forms
Official SAT I, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test/*DET*
Early Decision Agreement (if applicable)

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

64870 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 64870 USD per year during 48 months.
National

64870 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 64870 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

64870 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 64870 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for Northampton

1156 - 2393 USD /month

Living costs

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.

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