Prospective Students

Bachelor of Arts in Astrophsical and Planetary Sciences

Interdisciplinary Emphasis

  • Liberal arts degree in the science of astronomy, observations, and technology
  • Multidisciplinary work in astronomical sciences, mathematics, computer programming, and instrumentation
  • Ideal for a career in science education, science journalism, outreach, space policy, and more.

Physics Emphasis

  • Designed for a deeper understanding of astrophysics, physics, and mathematics.
  • Directed towards students interested in pursuing graduate studies in astrophysics and/or planetary sciences or research-related careers.
  • Supervised jointly by APS and Physics
Click here for a print-formatted document containing most of this information.

Undergraduate Mentor Program

During your first three semesters you will meet with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator to discuss your specific interests and to provide direction on foundational coursework and future opportunities within our department.

One-on-One Faculty Mentoring

During your final five semesters you will be assigned to a faculty mentor according to your interests. Your mentor will meet with you at least once each semester to review course choices, discuss opportunities for astronomy-related activities (including research), and help position you for your career after CU.

Student Involvement Opportunities 

  • Grab a coffee with our graduate students and post-docs to learn about research opportunities.
  •  Be part of the CU STARs. Attend public outreach events and star parties. There are internship opportunities as well as more in depth advising, mentoring, and tutoring.
  • Join the Astronomy club for night hikes and dark sky field trips, distinguished speaker presentations, shows in the Fiske Planetarium, and build your resume with hand-on research and community outreach.

Facilities & Programs

The department encourages faculty-advised research and honors theses. Below is a sample of the opportunities available to students.

  • On-Campus Research (CASA, JILA, LASP)
  • Local Boulder Research (NCAR, NOAA, NIST, SwRI, HAO)
  • Numerous Spacecraft Missions (e.g., MAVEN, Juno, Cassini)
  • Hubble Space Telescope
  • James Webb Space Telescope
  • National Solar Observatory
  • 3.5m Apache Point Observatory
  • Sloan Digital Sky Survey
  • Sommers-Bausch Observatory
  • Fiske Planetarium
  • And much more

A Future in Astronomy

  • Professional Research
  • College Teaching
  • Technical Career in Physics-, Space-, or Computer-related Industries
  • Teaching at Primary, Middle or High School Levels
  • Informal Education
  • Public Outreach
  • Science Journalism
  • Space Policy