The Astronomy program at San Diego State University (SDSU) offers a comprehensive educational pathway for students interested in understanding the universe. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Astronomy is particularly suited for students aspiring to teach at the K-12 level or work in informal education settings, such as museums or planetariums. In contrast, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Astronomy is designed for students aiming to engage in research or pursue a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or related fields.
At the graduate level, students have secured roles at institutions like NASA/JPL and the Space Telescope Science Institute as data scientists and analysts. They have gone on to work as support scientists at major observatories such as Palomar, Gemini, NOIRLab, and W. M. Keck, and with industrial partners such as Malin Space Science Systems. They are also qualified to become tenure-track faculty at community colleges or lecturers at San Diego State University. Many continue into Ph.D. programs at universities including Louisiana State University, New Mexico State University, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UMass Amherst, and UT Austin.
For those interested in community outreach, a plethora of on-campus observing facilities are available, including a Clark 12-inch refractor, two permanently installed 12-inch reflecting telescopes, ten portable 8-inch Meade LX200 reflectors, and an assortment of 20 smaller portable reflecting telescopes. Students can craft their captivating planetarium shows using our classic Spitz AP3 planetarium.
B.A. in Astronomy
The Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy degree is designed for students seeking a broad understanding of the universe while maintaining flexibility in their studies or career preparation. Students in the astronomy major can explore various branches and sub-disciplines within the field, including astrophysics, astronomical techniques, and classical mechanics. As part of the preparation for the major, all Bachelor of Arts candidates must demonstrate competency in one foreign language, equivalent to three consecutive semesters of college study.
Curricula:
Catalog: B.A. in Astronomy
Major Academic Plan:
MyMap: B.A. in Astronomy
B.S. in Astronomy
The Bachelor of Science in Astronomy degree is designed for students seeking flexibility in their area of study or those unsure about their future career path in astronomy. Students in the astronomy major can explore all branches and sub-disciplines within astronomy, including astrophysics, planetary science, and cosmology. All Bachelor of Science degree candidates in astronomy are required to complete a minor in mathematics, providing a strong foundation for understanding the quantitative and analytical aspects of the field.
Curricula:
Catalog: B.S. in Astronomy
Major Academic Plan:
MyMap: B.S. in Astronomy
M.S. in Astronomy
Graduates may complete thesis research, conducted in collaboration with faculty, which covers diverse astrophysical fields from exoplanet characterization to the physics of supernovae and galaxy formation. Graduates may alternatively choose to complete their program by taking a culminating exam.
The program offers teaching and outreach opportunities. Students lead on-campus observing sessions with various telescopes and create planetarium shows using the department’s Spitz AP3 planetarium. Combining academic training, research experience, and public engagement, the program prepares graduates for careers in astronomy and related fields.
Curricula:
Catalog: M.S. in Astronomy
Minor in Astronomy
For those looking to deepen their understanding of astronomy while majoring in another discipline, SDSU also offers a minor in Astronomy. This minor allows students from fields like physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering to gain valuable insights by integrating principles of their major with topics such as solar system astronomy, exoplanets, and stellar astrophysics.
Curricula:
Catalog: Minor in Astronomy