Astronomy, Minor
Develop scientific reasoning and quantitative problem-solving skills that transfer across a wide range of careers. This astronomy minor trains you to analyze evidence, work through complex problems and think critically, strengths that stay valuable in nearly any field you pursue.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Astronomy minor description
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.
Why earn an astronomy minor at ASU?
Housed in the School of Earth and Space Exploration, the astronomy minor draws on a community where astronomers, planetary scientists and engineers work side by side, guided by faculty who lead NASA and NSF missions. That means you can tap into authentic space science regardless of your major, and you can complete the minor fully online.
Additional details
Studying online, you're a full ASU student plugged into a connected SESE community. Expect virtual study groups, faculty office hours, dedicated advising and career resources to support you along the way.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 23 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| 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 |
|
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.
|
Enrollment requirements
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.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this astronomy minor prepares you for
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.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
sese-advising@asu.edu
480-965-5081
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
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.
