Undergraduate Research
One of the most in-depth experiential opportunities available to Astronomy students is
independent research within a faculty member’s research group.
On-campus Opportunities
Astronomy students participate in research on-campus during the academic year and in the summer. Funding may exist to support your research; deadlines for funding vary depending on the fellowship/stipend.
Department of Astronomy list of faculty with research opportunities for undergraduates
Department of Astronomy list of research areas and research groups
EUREKA - a searchable database of opportunities and faculty research interests at UT
Off-campus Opportunities
These programs often take place over 8-10 weeks in the summer and many times include a stipend and housing/travel support. They are competitive and require an application. Application deadlines and requirements vary, but are usually due in January or February and require at least one recommendation.
National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Astronomical Sciences
American Astronomical Society listing of summer programs
UT Department of Astronomy list of relevant summer programs in Astronomy
Summer Research Opportunities at Harvard University
Pathways to Sciences list of summer programs in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Caltech LIGO SURF Summer Undergraduate Reseach Fellowships
Yale Undergraduate Research Scholarship
Resources for Getting Involved and Funding a Research Experience
Internships
The purpose of an internship is to gain valuable skills and experience, explore and refine your career interests, and network with professionals in your field. Also, internships allow you to apply concepts you have learned in the classroom in a real-world, work environment.
CNS Career Services is your college resource for career exploration and internships.
The Office of Diversity & Student Programs offers weekly drop-in advising/consultations over Zoom for students who would like to discuss strategies for getting involved in experiential learning activities and connecting with CNS and campus resources. Students can contact SEOAmbassadors@austin.utexas.edu to learn more. The list below is a sample of opportunities and is not exhaustive.
Opportunities
Summer Internship at the McDonald Observatory
NASA Internships and Fellowships
Southwest Research Institute Internships
Lunar and Planetary Institute Summer Intern Program
American Astronomical Society listing of Internships and Scholarships
RISE Research Internships in Science and Engineering
HireUTexas
Built in ATX Job Forum
USAJOBS - Site for Federal Employment Listings
Study Abroad
Study abroad programs provide Astronomy majors with access to interesting and relevant courses around the world. Immerse yourself in a new culture while earning credits toward your degree.
The Office of Diversity & Student Programs offers weekly drop-in advising/consultations for CNS students seeking opportunities.
MyCreditAbroad database lists Astronomy courses abroad with UT course equivalents
CNS Research and Internships Abroad
UT Study Abroad Semester and Summer Internship Programs
Short-term Programs
Semester-long Programs
RISE Research Internships in Science and Engineering
Entrepreneurship
CNS students can engage in entrepreneurial activities both in and out of the classroom. The Office of Diversity & Student Programs offers weekly drop-in advising/consultations for CNS students seeking opportunities.
CNS Inventors Program
Entrepreneurship Resources Across Campus
Bridging Disciplines Programs – Innovation, Creativity & Innovation
Other Activities
Science Sprints
If you're interested in "doing science" and are looking for a shorter-term way to be involved, try out a Science Sprint! Science Sprints are one-day intensive, fun events bringing interdisciplinary teams of 10-25 undergraduates together to work on a meaningful science problem. All CNS majors are welcome.