Overview

Computational and statistical techniques are introduced in the first course in the major sequence, ASTR 200 (Practical Astronomy), and further honed in ASTR 228 (Introductory Astrophysics) and ASTR 352 (Advanced Astrophysics). ASTR 228 and 352 also draw on physical principles introduced in the three-course required physics sequence (PHYS 123, 124 and 225).

A joint Five College Astronomy Department offers courses beyond those offered at Amherst. All required courses are taught at Amherst, but students are also encouraged to take elective courses at the four other institutions: Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts.

As a result of this five college partnership, students can enjoy the benefits of a first-rate liberal arts education while maintaining association with a research department of international stature.

Degree requirements

Students in the Astronomy major from Amherst College may pursue independent theoretical and observational work in association with any member of the Five College Astronomy Department, either during the academic year or the summer term. The facilities of all five institutions are available to departmental majors. Students may search for Astronomy courses through the Five College online catalog.

Once you have decided to declare the major, you will need to obtain the appropriate form from the Registrar's page, complete it, and have the current Physics and Astronomy Department chair, as well as your current advisor, sign it, before returning it to the Registrar.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Newtonian Synthesis: Dynamics of Particles and Systems, Waves
The Maxwellian Synthesis: Dynamics of Charges and Fields, Optics
Modern Physics
Practical Astronomy
Advanced Astrophysics: Galaxies and Cosmology
Intermediate Calculus

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Amherst Center, 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

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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

Common Application, Coalition Application OR QuestBridge Application
Amherst College Writing Supplement
$65 Application Fee (non-refundable) or Fee Waiver (requested through Common Application, Coalition Application or Amherst's Quick Pass).
School Report
Secondary School Transcript
Counselor Recommendation (College Counselor / Guidance Counselor)
Two Teacher Recommendations (English, Math, Science, Social Studies or Foreign Language)
Optional Standardized Test Results for the SAT or ACT (either self-reported or official scores).
Early Decision Agreement (for ED applicants)
First marking period grades from senior year (for ED applicants)
Mid-Year School Report Form (as soon as first trimester/first semester grades are available)
Mid-Year Transcript (as soon as first trimester/first semester grades are available)

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

73140 USD / year

≈ 73140 USD / year
Out-of-State

73140 USD / year

≈ 73140 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

73140 USD / year

≈ 73140 USD / year

Living costs

Amherst Center

United States

1228 - 2543 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

Degree requirements

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

Amherst Center

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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