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.
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