Astronomy ,Minor
Galactic, Planetary Science, cosmology, physics, stars
Explore the universe with a flexible, interdisciplinary approach. Study the latest discoveries in Earth's solar system, our galaxy and beyond.
If you are interested in developing a basic understanding of astronomy and analyzing issues from a scientific viewpoint, the astronomy minor program is for you. You build spaceflight hardware, make observations, discover planets, explore cosmology, and develop instruments for telescopes and satellites.
With fewer prerequisites and more elective options than the astrophysics minor, this program is a great option if you are curious and come from a variety of majors.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online
This video provides an overview of the Astronomy degree program at ASU.
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
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The minor in astronomy consists of a minimum of 23 credit hours, of which at least 15 credit hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be taken from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy minor requirements. |
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AST 111 Introduction to Solar Systems Astronomy
(SCIT)
4 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 4 |
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AST 112 Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology
(SCIT)
4 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
AST 321 Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
AST 322 Introduction to Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
Upper Division
AST Elective
Upper Division
MAT Elective
Upper Division
PHY Elective
Upper Division
SES Elective
Electives should be 3 credit courses.
9 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 9 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
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GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BS in earth and space exploration (astrophysics); BS in astronomical and planetary sciences
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
Minor programs enable students to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors.
The astronomy minor supplements other degrees. The problem-solving techniques and skills that graduates have acquired are used in modern astronomy research and applicable to a wide variety of engineering and science careers.
School of Earth and Space Exploration
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ISTB4 795
sese-advising@asu.edu
480-965-5081
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
