Astronomy Bachelor's Degree Overview
Were you the kid memorizing the names of the constellations and wondering about life on other planets? The University of Toledo offers a world-class program in astronomy.
Our faculty members in the Department of Astronomy and Physics rival those at other, major universities. They are actively engaged in leading-edge research with NASA and colleagues around the world. Undergraduates are able to collaborate on research starting their freshman years.
Astronomy is closely tied to physics, mathematics, geology and biology. UT undergraduates study the origins of the Earth and other planets. They learn about humans’ place in the universe, our prospects for the future and the importance of physical sciences.
Astronomy Bachelor's Degree Highlights
- Renowned faculty. Our physicists and astronomers at UT are equal to those anywhere in the U.S. Five of our faculty members have been elected fellows of the American Physical Society for their significant research. This international honor is bestowed on only a small fraction of members. Five are endowed professors. Others have been named UToledo outstanding lecturers and researchers.
- A head start on research. Get involved in research as early as your freshman year. Many schools offer research opportunities only to grad students. UToledo undergraduates publish in peer-reviewed journals and present their research at conferences.
- A national reputation. It’s not just our expert faculty and cutting-edge research. UT also is known for its active public-education programs at the Ritter Observatory, Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory.
- Learn outside the classroom. UToledo undergrads are encouraged to:
- Join our award-winning chapter of the Society of Physics Students. The group offers a speaker series, networking, a community outreach program and social activities.
- Intern at UT’s Ritter Planetarium. The on-campus facility offers public programs during the weekends.
- Join our observing team on clear nights.
- Low faculty-to-student ratio. Our students work one-on-one with faculty members. These close relationships can lead to great recommendation letters for jobs or graduate school.
- Masters and PhD programs in astronomy. These graduate programs benefit undergrads by drawing passionate grad students and high-caliber faculty and resources to UToledo.
- Longest-running exchange program. UToledo students have the chance to spend a semester or a year at the University of Salford in England. British students come to UT and enrich our programs with an international perspective.
- State-of-the-art facilities — labs with the latest equipment; the Ritter and Brooks observatories; and the Ritter Planetarium.
Career Opportunities
UT has a strong history of launching our undergraduates into rewarding careers. Employers love our students for their:
- Critical-thinking skills
- Abilities to solve complicated problems
- Technical software and hardware skills (modeling, design and development)
These skills allow our graduates to keep up with constantly changing technology.
A UToledo bachelor's degree in astronomy gives students a strong science education not only in astronomy, but also in physics, mathematics and chemistry. It prepares them for a variety of careers, including many industry positions that do not have “astronomy” in the title.
UT graduates are employed in:
- Planetary and space science
- Science writing
- Government
- Environmental science
- Business
- Law
They work as:
- Laboratory technicians
- Science journalists
- Computer programmers
- Patent lawyers
- Ecologists
- Crime-scene investigators
Many graduates also pursue higher degrees in business, law, medicine and science.
Our Alumni
UToledo astronomy alumni have worked for:
- Corning Inc.
- National Air and Space Museum
- The Walt Disney Company
- University of Chicago
Astronomy Bachelor's Degree Curriculum
Astronomy Bachelor’s Degree Sample Courses
- Life in the Universe
- Black Holes, General Relativity and The Big Bang Theory
- New Frontiers In Astronomy
View Curriculum
Research Opportunities
UT’s Department of Physics and Astronomy has a strong, externally funded research program. We have been elected to the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy. Our astronomers and astrophysicists are involved in major NASA missions. They also carry out theoretical and observational research with collaborators at leading observatories around the world.
Starting their freshman years, students can collaborate on research with faculty members, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students.
Our undergraduates:
- Publish an average of four refereed papers per year
- Publish their work in leading, peer-reviewed journals
- Present findings at regional and national conferences
Learn more about Astronomy at UT
Astronomy Bachelor's Degree
4-year programProgram Availability
Program Quick Links
View Admission RequirementsDepartment of Physics and Astronomy
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
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