Astronomy Major & Courses

About the major

Students majoring in astronomy learn about people’s unique place in the universe through the lens of an eye-opening physical science. For students with a passion for astrophysics or an interest in pursuing graduate study in that area, a recommended path at UT Austin is to major in astronomy and add the major in physics, which requires a small number of additional physics courses on top of the astronomy major. 

Learn more about the undergraduate academic program


Astronomy Coursework

Get a sense for some of the courses that many of our majors take below. A more complete list may be found when you search for your degree option by the year of entry or catalog.

Entry-level Requirements

Natural Sciences students declare a degree and a major after receiving passing grades in key courses. For astronomy, these are:

  • Calculus: Differential and Integral Calculus (M 408C)/Sequence, Series, and Multivariable Calculus (M 408D) or alternative
  • Physics: Mechanics / Laboratory (PHY 301 / PHY 101L) or alternative

Examples of Courses

Students take additional math, physics and other science courses, along with dedicated courses in astronomy and other disciplines. Some examples include:

  • Introductory Astronomy
  • Wave Motion and Optics
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Advanced Calculus