Astrophysics Major and Minor
Lower Division Requirements for the Astrophysics Major and Minor
Required courses:
- Math 1A/1B
- Math 53/54*
- Physics 7A/B/C or Physics 5A, 5B/5BL, 5C/5CL
The lower-division courses highly recommended but not required are:
- Astro 7A & Astro 7B
- Astro 98 (Python DeCal)
- OR Data 8/CS 61A/Physics 77/Physics 88
All required prerequisites need to be taken for a letter grade, with a minimum 2.0 GPA. We require a C- or better in all our required lower division classes.
* Please note: Physics 89 is a requirement for the physics major (replaces Math 54). Therefore, students who are planning a double major or a minor with Astrophysics and Physics are required to complete Physics 89 in lieu of Math 54.
Astrophysics Major Upper Division Requirements
30 units of required upper division courses; 24 units for double majors
All upper division courses must be taken for a letter grade and with an overall 2.0 GPA
Undergraduates majoring in Astrophysics must complete the following courses (check the course catalog for class descriptions):
Required (choose one): | Astro 120 |
Required (choose two): | Astro 160 |
Required (choose at least 18 units for single majors; at least 12 units for double majors): | Upper division electives (see below for complete list of eligible courses; astro courses listed above may also be used) |
Astrophysics Minor Upper Division Requirements
17-20 units of required upper division courses
Undergraduates wishing to minor in Astrophysics must complete the following courses (check the course catalog for class descriptions):
Required (choose two): | Astro 120 |
Required (choose three): | Upper division electives (see below for complete list of eligible courses; astro courses listed above may also be used) |
Summary of Upper-Division Electives
Below is a list of elective courses applicable to the study of Astrophysics (check the course catalog for any prerequisites or other requirements):
DEPARTMENT | COURSES |
|---|---|
Astronomy |
|
Chemistry |
|
Computer Science Enrollment restrictions apply. See the Academic Guide for more information. |
|
Data Science |
|
Earth and Planetary Science |
|
Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences |
|
Mathematics |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
|
Nuclear Engineering |
|
Physics |
|
Statistics |
|
Undergraduate Advising
Major Advisor
Brianna Franklin, the Department of Astronomy’s Undergraduate Advisor, is available to answer your questions about the Astrophysics major and other undergraduate matters.
Email: bfranklin@berkeley.edu
Office: 501 Campbell Hall
Advising: Please use CalCentral to make an appointment with Brianna!
Ask questions via our Advising Discord
Faculty Advisors
Eugene Chiang and Courtney Dressing are the Department of Astronomy’s Undergraduate Faculty Advisors. They are available to assist with issues that arise during your time as an undergraduate student in the Astrophysics program; they are also a great resource for explanations pertaining to the content of courses.
Email: echiang@astro.berkeley.edu; dressing@berkeley.edu
Drop-In Advising: Eugene – Fridays 10-11am (CH 355); Courtney – Tuesdays 2-3pm (CH 355)
Peer Advisors
Astronomy Peer Advisors are current Astrophysics that are here to answer your questions about the major and the department in general. You can connect with the Astronomy Peer Advisors on our Advising Discord or during drop-in advising hours along with Brianna, Eugene, or Courtney.
Fall ’23 Astronomy Peer Advisors: Joanna Hardesty & Sophie Willis
Undergraduate FAQs
Prospective and current students! Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions here: FAQs
Still have questions? Reach out to undergraduate advisor, Brianna Franklin, at bfranklin@berkeley.edu