Astrophysics Major and Minor
Lower Division Requirements for the Astrophysics Major and Minor
Required courses:
The lower-division courses highly recommended but not required are:
All required prerequisites need to be taken for a letter grade, with a minimum GPA of 2.0. We require a C- or better in all our lower prerequisite 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. If you have taken a Math 54 equivalent before transferring into Berkeley, you may take Phys 89 pass/no pass. |
Important Notes:
- Astro 7A and 7B are recommended prerequisites for all upper-division courses.
- The 30 unit requirement (or 24 units for double majors with another major) is the sum of astronomy upper division courses and the electives.
- Lower-divison prerequisites must be satisfied (please see list on our Declaring the Major page) with a minimum GPA of 2.0. We require a C- in all our lower prerequisite classes.
- Upper division courses and electives need to be taken for a letter grade. We require a C- or better in all our upper division classes..
Astrophysics Major Upper Division Requirements
30 units of required upper division courses; 24 units for double majors
Undergraduates wishing to major in Astrophysics must complete the following courses:
Required (choose one): | Astro 120 |
Required (choose two): | Astro 160 |
Required (take a minimum of 18 units OR 12 units if you are a double major): | Upper division electives (see below for complete list of eligible courses) |
Astrophysics Minor Upper Division Requirements
17-20 units of required upper division courses
Undergraduates wishing to minor in Astrophysics must complete the following courses:
Required (take a minimum of two): | Astro 120 |
Required (take a minimum of three): | Upper division electives (see below for complete list of eligible courses) |
* These courses are not required but strongly recommended for anyone considering the Astrophysics major.
** Prerequisite Course can be taken concurrently.
***Instead of the Physics 7 series students can opt to take the Physics 5 series.
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 |
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Astronomy |
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Chemistry |
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Computer Science *Computer Science and Data Science double majors only* |
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Data Science |
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Earth and Planetary Science |
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Electrical Engineering |
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Mathematics |
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Mechanical Engineering |
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Nuclear Engineering |
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Physics |
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Statistics |
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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 9:30-10:30am (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.
Spring ’23 Astronomy Peer Advisors: Joanna Hardesty & Sam Paplanus
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