Astronomy

Exploring the universe and advancing the frontiers of human knowledge.

Illuminating Understanding

Exploring the Cosmos

Astronomy at UT houses frontier research in cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution, stellar evolution and star formation, exoplanetary systems, the solar system and instrumentation. It is home to the McDonald Observatory and a major founding partner in the next-generation Giant Magellan Telescope.

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Astronomy research is answering the questions of why we're here and how we're here. Finding planets thousands of light-years away may never directly impact us, but the machine learning techniques we build to find them will.”

Anne Dattilo

Astronomy and Physics

For Majors

Experiences & Careers

Astronomy students at UT have access to world-class scientists, supercomputing resources and amazing telescopes, including at the McDonald Observatory in West Texas. Conducting research, studying abroad, traveling to the observatory and doing internships add to the student experience. Many graduates go on to careers in technology, data science, business, education, government, healthcare, research and engineering. Recent grads have jobs like:

  • Scientific software developer
  • Senior test engineer
  • Engineering scientist
  • Technical specialist

Discover astronomy major career paths

find opportunities for astronomy majors

In The Texas Scientist

Explore Stories

Amazing classes and opportunities to do first-hand research about matters no one has ever definitively known before abound at UT Austin. Our students have discovered planets, helped with mapping distant galaxies and learned of the possibilities of life well beyond our solar system.

Discovering other worlds as an undergraduate

Hunting dark energy

Finding life in the universe

Study & Learn

Astronomy tells us about the place of humankind in the universe: what led to Earth’s creation, how stars form, how galaxies come to be and evolve. Astronomy’s goal is to determine the basic and controlling properties of the universe and to transmit that knowledge to society. Below are undergraduate degrees and graduate study is also available.

Find undergraduate information and examples of courses

Find graduate program information

Type
BA
Academic Program

Astronomy

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BSA
Academic Program

Astronomy

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BSA
Academic Program

Astronomy

Honors

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BS
Academic Program

Astronomy: Option 1

Astronomy

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
BS
Academic Program

Astronomy: Option 2

Honors

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
Type
C
Academic Program

Evidence and Inquiry

Year of Entry
2022–2024
Requirements
What to Take When
N/A

Astronomy News

A dense field of galaxies set against a black background of space

UT News

UT Austin’s Top Research Stories of 2023

From a brain decoder to a supermassive black hole to a cancer drug advance, College of Natural Sciences researchers made breakthroughs this year.

McDonald Observatory

Bass Foundation Gift Strengthens Outreach at McDonald Observatory

Aerial view of an astronomical observatory set atop a mountain

McDonald Observatory

Giant Magellan Telescope Enclosure Ready for Construction

A telescope dome under a starry sky at night with an open door and telescope visible inside

McDonald Observatory

Galaxies Actively Forming in Early Universe Caught Feeding on Cold Gas

A swirl of blue-white gas and dust against a black background

See all news