Frequently Asked Questions
For any questions not listed or answered below, UC San Diego students must communicate using the Virtual Advising Center (VAC) portal. For prospective students, that are not UC San Diego students, you may send an email to astro-advising@ucsd.edu.
How can I declare the major?
To declare the major, students use the Major/Minor Tool.
Please note: incoming admits must wait until they've registered for at least one Fall term course before they can access the Major/Minor Tool.
Before you change into one of our majors, we recommend you do the following:
- Read about the department's majors and their requirements.
- Check with your current major department regarding their policy for readmission into their majors (in case you change your mind). For example, majors in the Division of Biological Sciences are capped, and require application into the major.
- Contact A&A advising through the VAC.
More information on the process of how to change your major can be found here.
What’s the difference between the B.A. and B.S. programs?
The Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy and Astrophysics is intended to give students a detailed background in the full landscape of astronomy and astrophysics while also offering students breadth by requiring courses in other related disciplines. The intention of the major is to serve students interested in careers in science communication, science outreach, science policy, teaching in the sciences at the K-12 level, or a variety of positions in industry.
The Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics offers students an in-depth course of study in the theoretical and experimental underpinnings of modern astrophysical science. Multiple laboratory courses provide the students with the practical skills to make a smooth transition into advanced research work in astronomy and astrophysics. This major is intended to prepare interested students for graduate study, but also serves students interested in careers in multiple industries.
You can view detailed information regarding both majors by visiting our website.Are majors in Astronomy and Astrophysics capped/selective?
No, majors in Astronomy and Astrophysics are not capped. Students can request a major in our department when applying to UC San Diego or can declare once they've started UC San Diego.
What career opportunities are there after graduating?
Undergraduates majoring in Astronomy & Astrophysics pursue a wide range of careers post-graduation. Many continue on to graduate school in Astronomy, Physics, Engineering disciplines, Data Science, or management. Those who do not go to graduate school usually move into the private sector. In the private sector, students most commonly enter the tech workforce in areas such as data science, software and computer programming, and project management. Some also enter the financial sector. Others students pursue opportunities in K-12 education, science communication and journalism, science policy, or scientific outreach (e.g., working at a science museum). There is a diverse array of possibilities, not dissimilar to any degree in a STEM field. If you want more detailed data, the American Institute of Physics has conducted several surveys of students who graduate with both Astronomy and Physics degrees (the outcomes are similar).
At UCSD Astronomy and Astrophysics, we offer many opportunities for students to conduct research at the undergraduate level. Most of these programs do not happen in conjunction with a company, but rather with faculty or researchers working at UCSD. We help support undergraduates pursue summer research internships at other universities as well. Some of these programs are restricted to US citizens, but many are not. Research with a faculty member at UCSD is open to international students. If students are interested in pursuing internships with local companies, that is often facilitated by the School of Physical Sciences Student Success Center.