BA in Astronomy
For students interested in astronomy but also have a wider range of career goals
Why pursue an astronomy degree?
This undergraduate major provides a flexible program for students interested in astronomy but who also have a wider range of career goals.
Students might want to become science teachers or become involved with the vast astronomical enterprise. The BA in astronomy could lead to a career supporting observatories as a technician, engineer or designer of astronomical equipment or software.
This program is also a solid choice for science writers, journalists or data scientists when combined with a second undergraduate degree or graduate degree. Degree requirements are listed below and on the UH Manoa Catalog.
Course map for the BA in Astronomy
The overall course sequence is available as a pdf
Course Descriptions
Individual course descriptions with sample syllabi
Learning Objectives
Detailed learning objectives
BS in astrophysics
Students interested in a more rigorous program, as preparation for graduate work in astronomy or physics
Minor in Astronomy or Minor in Astrophysics
For students interested in gaining exposure to astronomy as a supplement to a different major
Courses
Below are listed the core courses and elective options for the BA in astronomy. Course information can be found in the UH Mānoa Course catalog. If you have any questions, please contact undergrad@ifa.hawaii.edu.
Astronomy and Physics Core Courses
ASTR 110 Survey of Astronomy
ASTR 210 Foundations of Astronomy
ASTR 300/300L Observational Astronomy and lab
ASTR 301 Observational Projects
ASTR 320 Astronomical Spectroscopy
ASTR 399 Directed Study (minimum one semester, maximum of 3 credits)
ASTR 494 Senior Research Project (one semester)
PHYS 151/151L College Physics I and lab
PHYS 152/152L College Physics II and lab
PHYS 485 Professional Ethics
Elective Requirements (minimum of 21 credits)
Astronomy (three courses, including at least six upper division credits and three 400-level credits)
ASTR 130 Archaeoastronomy
ASTR 150 Voyage Through the Solar System (cross-listed as GG 105)
ASTR 280 Evolution of the Universe
ASTR 281 Astrobiology
ASTR 380 Cosmos in Western Culture
ASTR 426 Galaxies & Cosmology
ASTR 430 The Solar System
ASTR 494 Senior Research Project (additional semester, senior year requirement)
Related Subjects (four courses, including at least three upper-division credits)
CHEM 272 Organic Chemistry
ECON 321 Introduction to Statistics
EE 160 Programming for Engineers
GG 101 (or 170) Dynamic Earth (or Physical Geology)
GG 200-level or above (any NI Geo course worth three or more credits)
ICS 111 Introduction to Computer Science I
ICS 211 Introduction to Computer Science II
MATH 243 or 253A Calculus III
MATH 244 Calculus IV
MATH 300-level or above (any UD Math course worth three or more credits)
PHYS 274 General Physics III
PHYS 300-level or above (any UD Physics course worth three or more credits)
Foundational Requirements
CHEM 161/161L or 171/171L or 181A/181L General Chemistry I and lab
CHEM 162/162L General Chemistry II and lab
MATH 215, 241 or 251A Calculus I
MATH 242 or 252A Calculus II