Why Astronomy at SDSU?

San Diego State University is the only institution in the California State University system that offers an independent bachelor’s degree in astronomy. Students in the undergraduate and master’s degree program actively learn to collect astronomical observations and conduct scientific research.

Undergraduate students are trained to apply the scientific method to the realm of astronomy and astrophysics, which requires a solid foundation in physics and mathematics. Additionally, our students obtain useful skills in programming in Python and MATLAB as well as how to assemble and maintain modern astronomy instruments.

Our Own Observatories

Less than an hour from downtown San Diego, nestled in the mountains of the Cleveland National Forest, lies Mount Laguna Observatory, operated by the SDSU Department of Astronomy. With a high percentage of clear nights and protection from the urban lighting of San Diego, this is one of the best overall observatory sites in the continental United States.

Research Telescopes

The 1.25-meter Phillips Claud telescope, one-meter telescope and .6-meter Clifford Smith telescope collect a variety of astronomical data, including age of and distance to star clusters.

EvryScope

SDSU's Mount Laguna Observatory houses one of two EvryScopes in the world. The multi-camera array is excellent for detecting eclipsing binaries and stellar activity.

Outreach Telescope

The .5-meter Reginald Buller telescope is used for instructional purposes and to share our love of astronomy with the public.

SDSU's Department of Astronomy offers incredible opportunities for students to gain experience as leaders, researchers and science teachers. Frequent outreach events and department gatherings foster a close-knit feel among students and faculty.

Many of our graduates find employment in industry, with astronomical observatories or with government agencies. Potential jobs include but are not limited to working as a technician, image analyst, instrument maker, optician, software developer, telescope operator, science communicator, astronomy researcher or teacher.

Employment opportunities for astronomers with advanced degrees include positions at colleges and universities, national observatories and government laboratories, planetariums, and in industry and private companies.

Amanda Bayless ('06), Research Scientist at The Aerospace Corporation

"The Astronomy Department gave me a great foundation to continue with my graduate studies, earn a Ph.D. and go on to an astronomy career."

Jamey Eriksen ('95), Director of Operations at Apache Point Observatory

"SDSU Astronomy influences every day of my life. I get to work at an observatory and then when I go home, my wife Stacy is an SDSU Astronomy grad as well."

Harish Khandrika ('14), Staff Scientist at Space Telescope Science Institute

"The experience, the guidance and the training that I received at San Diego State were crucial to my recruitment at Space Telescope Science Institute."

David DeVorkin ('68), Senior Curator for History of Astronomy at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

"I remember my time at San Diego State very warmly. It was a time when I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with my astronomy interests and San Diego State more than helped me reignite my passion for astronomy."

Quyen Hart ('99), Senior Education and Outreach Scientist and Webb Science Communications Lead

"From teaching my first classes to hosting star parties, working at SDSU really cemented my passion for communicating science."