Astronomy

Undergraduate

Modern astronomy is concerned with understanding the nature of the universe and the various structures—galaxies, stars, planets, atoms—within it. We are interested not only in describing these things, but in understanding how they are formed and how they change, and, ultimately, in reconstructing the history of the universe.

Astronomy students studying moon rocks with ennedy-Schelkunoff Professor of Astronomy M. Darby Dyar

Program Overview

This understanding is always based upon the same set of theories and practices—physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, geology, mathematics, computer science—that we use to understand the earth and its immediate surroundings. Thus, you are strongly encouraged to base your study of the universe upon a firm grounding in one of these disciplines.

The Study of Astronomy most commonly takes the form of an interdisciplinary major in astronomy and physics; special majors combining work in geology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics are also available. Alternatively, some students elect to major in any one of these fields, combined with a minor in astronomy.

All 100-level courses are taught by Mount Holyoke faculty and staff. Courses at the 200 level and above are staffed collectively by faculty in the Five College Department; many of them will be offered off-campus. You are urged to consult the department as early as possible to plan a program of study that takes advantage of the rich variety of course opportunities. Through advising, the exact program will be tailored to your particular strengths, interests, and plans.

Community Voices

Spotlight on Astronomy students and alums

Experiential learning and career-focused advising

We encourage you to seek out opportunities that connect classroom study at Mount Holyoke with experiential learning in internships and research projects and with immersion in another culture through study, internships, or research abroad. The learning from such connections is important preparation not only for post-graduate education and careers, but also for active citizenship in today’s global world.

You can choose from on-campus opportunities with faculty, summer internships with members of the Five College Astronomy Department, and off-campus activities at NASA centers and with other astronomy research groups around the world. Our faculty will work with you to help sleuth out the best opportunities and help you apply for them in a timely fashion. Research undertaken in the summer for the senior year often leads to senior thesis, and further graduate study.

Courses and Requirements

Learning Goals

Learning goals for introductory-level astronomy classes:

  • Understand fundamental concepts in astronomy such as gravity, the nature of light, the origin of the universe, and physical characteristics of matter.
  • Demonstrate skills for quantitative analyses, including the ability to form a hypothesis, graphically represent and interpret data, estimate error and understand sampling bias.
  • Critically evaluate representations of science in all types of media.

Learning goals for advanced astronomy classes:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental concepts in each of the major areas of astronomy: cosmology, planetary science, galaxies, stellar structure, and the universe.
  • Show a working knowledge of a broad array of physical phenomena that are based upon fundamental concepts.
  • Gain familiarity with instrumentation, computational methods and software resources utilized by professional astronomers.
  • Understand the variety of career paths and opportunities that are open to students who have majored in astronomy.
  • Exhibit a proficiency in the methods of scientific inquiry in laboratory and/or research projects.
  • Demonstrate use of critical thinking skills in well-organized, logical and scientifically sound oral and written scientific reports.

Next steps

Apply to Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of a liberal arts education and are driven by a love of learning. As a women's college that is gender diverse, we welcome applications from female, trans and non-binary students.

Financing your education

Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we’re here to make sure cost does not get in the way of an exceptional education.