Bachelor of Arts in Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences

Our students become well-rounded critical thinkers who understand solar and space sciences, planetary systems, astronomy and cosmology, and they find satisfying careers in academe, aerospace, technical and computing industries.

The BA in astrophysical and planetary sciences provides students with a unified view of solar and space sciences, planetary systems (our solar system and others), stellar and galactic astronomy, and cosmology. We provide hands-on education that equips students interested in pursuing graduate degrees or careers in aerospace, technical or computer industries.  

  • Get a chance to pursue one of two tracks of study: general astronomy or astrophysics/physics
  • Gain hands-on experience with telescopes, optics, instrumentation, computer image processing and computer modeling
  • Learn from experts at a top university in the exploration and study of space

#1 public university for NASA research funds and widely recognized as a top university in the exploration and study of space

One of the few programs that combines astrophysics and planetary science

Our faculty carry out research in a wide range of disciplines, from observing cosmic microwave background in Antarctica to building space probes to explore Mars' atmosphere

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our society by understanding and applying your knowledge of astrophysical and planetary sciences.

 
$59,700

Median salary of CU Boulder astronomy students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Research assistant, data analyst, systems analyst, instructor, technical writer and software designer are common job titles of our graduates

 

Work in academia, science journalism, science policy, information technology, science management or for NASA

 

Overall employment of astronomers is projected to grow 9% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Academic Plan & Requirements

Our BA in astrophysical and planetary sciences allows students to choose between two academic tracks: general astronomy and astrophysics/physics. Students may declare either track when beginning their coursework, or wait until completion of their foundational courses in astronomy, physics and mathematics (usually after the first 2–3 semesters).

General astronomy track

  • Students receive core training in astronomy, mathematics, physics, and computational and instrumental technology.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours in astronomy (this must include at least 18 upper-division credit hours) and a minimum of 9 credit hours in physics.
  • Designed to provide opportunities for students to explore a minor or second major in a complementary area of study.
  • Appropriate for students aiming for a career in K–12 education, science journalism, science policy, information technology, science management or technical work that does not require a graduate degree.

Astrophysics/physics track

  • Students receive advanced instruction in astronomy, math and physics.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 23 credits in astronomy and a minimum of 28 credits in physics. (This must include at least 15 upper-division credits in astronomy and 12 in physics.)
  • The track is jointly administered with the Department of Physics and requires substantial upper-division work in this field.
  • Designed for students training for a career or graduate study in the space sciences.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The astrophysical and planetary sciences department has an extensive list of alumni who have worked in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Joe Romig

(Phys'63; PhD Astrogeophysics, '75)
Founder of the consulting firm Ponderosa Associates, was a two-time All-American selection and runner-up for the Heisman Trophy when he played football at CU, and a Rhodes Scholar. He also worked in the advanced planetary program section of Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) and contributed to NASA’s Voyager missions.

Alan Stern

(PhD'89)
Founder of the Boulder Office of the Southwest Research Institute (2001 to present) where he helps lead NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. His awards include the Von Braun Aerospace Achievement Award of the National Space Society, the 2007 University of Colorado George Norlin Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Smithsonian magazine’s 2015 American Ingenuity Award.

Megan Donahue

(PhD'90)
Professor of physics and astronomy at Michigan State University and the president of the American Astronomical Society (June 2018–June 2020).

Randol Aikin

(BA'06)
The system-engineering lead on Uber's self-driving truck program. Before that, he was a senior technologist at Apple and a member of the technical staff at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory. He graduated with a PhD in physics from Caltech.

Loren Wilber Acton

(PhD, Astrogeophysics, '65)
A physicist who flew on NASA’s space shuttle mission STS-51-F as a payload specialist for the Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory.

Morgan Rehnberg

(PhD'17)
The director of scientific presentation at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

Mark Voit

(PhD'90)
Professor of physics and astronomy at Michigan State University, and associate dean for undergraduate studies. Voit, along with Jeff Bennett, Megan Donahue and Nick Schneider, is a co-author of The Cosmic Perspective, the world’s best-selling textbook for undergraduate astronomy, used by over 700,000 students.

Jeffrey Bennett

(PhD'87)
The lead author of best-selling college textbooks in four subject areas: astronomy, mathematics, statistics and astrobiology. Together, these books have sold more than 1.5 million copies.

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover