Bachelor of Science in Astronomy
Fairfax, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Jun 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 4,897 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* International student deadline is 1st of June of every year | Domestic student deadline is 1st of February
** in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
Discover how components of the universe interact and what lies beyond earth’s atmosphere.
The Bachelor of Science in Astronomy program prepares students for graduate school, a career in research or teaching, or employment in industry, business, or education fields where analytical skills and scientific background are advantageous.
- Learn from student-oriented faculty members who are dynamic, well-known in their fields, and highly productive in research.
- Majors have the opportunity to complete a research/internship/independent study experience via designated courses.
- Majors also complete a capstone course in observational astronomy by completing a project, making presentations, and learning professional-style writing.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students must complete a total of 59 credits in physics and astronomy and 14 credits in mathematics with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Required Astronomy Courses
- ASTR 124 Introduction to Observational Astronomy 1
- ASTR 210 Introduction to Astrophysics 3
- ASTR 328 Stars 3
- ASTR 401 Computer Simulation in Astronomy 3
- ASTR 402 RS: Methods of Observational Astronomy (Mason Core) 4
Total Credits 14
Required Physics Courses
- PHYS 160 University Physics I (Mason Core) 3
- PHYS 161 University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) 1
- PHYS 260 University Physics II (Mason Core) 3
- PHYS 261 University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) 1
- PHYS 251 Introduction to Computer Techniques in Physics (Mason Core) 3
- PHYS 301 Analytical Methods of Physics 3
- PHYS 303 Classical Mechanics 3
- PHYS 305 Electromagnetic Theory 3
- PHYS 308 Modern Physics 3
- PHYS 416 Undergraduate Physics Review 1
Total Credits 24
Required Math Courses
- MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) 4
- MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 4
- MATH 213 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III 3
- MATH 214 Elementary Differential Equations 3
Total Credits 14
Additional Coursework
Select 21 credits from the following: 21
- ASTR 301 Astrobiology
- ASTR 403 Planetary Science
- ASTR 404 Galaxies and Cosmology
- ASTR 408 Senior Research
- or ASTR 409 Astronomy Internship
- ASTR 420 Exoplanets
- ASTR 480 The Interstellar Medium
- PHYS 306 Wave Motion and Electromagnetic Radiation
- PHYS 307 Thermal Physics
- PHYS 311 Instrumentation
- PHYS 312 Waves and Optics
- PHYS 325 Intermediate Methods of Experimental Physics
- PHYS 402 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
- PHYS 403 Quantum Mechanics II
- PHYS 428 Relativity
- PHYS 440 Nuclear and Particle Physics
- PHYS 465 Planetary Atmospheres and Ionospheres
- PHYS 475 Atmospheric Physics
Total Credits 21
Mason Core and Elective Credits
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 47 credits, which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and electives. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Foundation Requirements
- Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
- Oral Communication 3
- Quantitative Reasoning 3
- Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements
- Arts 3
- Global Understanding 3
- Literature 3
- Natural Science 7
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
- Western Civilization/World History 3
Integration Requirements
- Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
- Writing-Intensive 3
- Synthesis/Capstone 3
Total Credits 40