Understand the universe
If you want to understand the universe and our place in it, then you should study astronomy at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Join us in astronomy
The field of astronomy is being transformed by the advent of large astronomical data sets. For example, astronomers will soon be awash in data with the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, to which Illinois is an important contributor.
In this program, you'll learn how to work with modern large data sets using current computational and statistical methods. You'll also have a strong grounding in data curation and ethics. These skills are transferrable to the many careers that handle and communicate data across the knowledge economy.
I have become a better version of myself
"Because there are so many majors in LAS, any time I take a class in LAS, I know that I will meet lots of new people who have varying experiences, interests, and perspectives from me, which is fun. I also love that LAS encourages multidisciplinary studies, which is why I ended up trying (and continuing with) data science!"
- Zoe, astronomy + data science major
The University of Illinois is a leading research institution in observational astronomy, theoretical astrophysics, astronomical imaging, and cosmology. As a student, you'll learn directly from professors who are doing research at world class facilities, such as the South Pole Telescope, space-based telescopes including the Hubble Space Telescope, far-infrared telescopes like the flying observatory SOFIA, state-of-the-art supercomputers at NCSA, and much more. And many students participate in research projects with astronomy faculty!
The Observatory
The University of Illinois Observatory has left students, researchers, and the public starstruck for 127 years.
Amazing discoveries
As an undergraduate, you can get involved in research—like Lily Kettler, who helped detect complex organic molecules in a galaxy 12 billion light-years from Earth.
Post-graduation success
Astronomy majors find success after graduation! Data from Undergraduate Admissions shows that of recent graduates:
- 85% are employed or continuing education
- $57,842 average starting annual income
- Sample employer destinations: Epic Systems, KIPP Houston Public Schools, IBM, National Radio Astronomy Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory
- Sample grad school destinations: Harvard University, Purdue University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Maryland, College Park
Title
Follow & visit us
Learn about life in the College of LAS at the University of Illinois through social media, campus tours, and more.