Bachelor in Astronomy (Bachelor's)

Whitman College in Walla Walla is a selective liberal arts college known for close faculty mentorship, small class sizes and an emphasis on critical thinking across the arts, sciences and social sciences. The curriculum encourages depth in a chosen major alongside interdisciplinary exploration, and students benefit from direct access to faculty and plentiful opportunities for undergraduate research, internships and hands-on learning.

The college fosters a tight knit campus community where collaborative learning and personalized advising support academic growth and career preparation. Campus life includes student organizations, service projects and leadership development programs that help international students integrate and build networks. Whitman s approach prepares graduates to adapt to complex global challenges through strong written and oral communication skills and reflective inquiry.

International applicants should highlight academic readiness, intellectual curiosity and the value they bring to a diverse residential community. Whitman offers resources for academic support, career advising and study away options, and its alumni network can be an asset for internships and graduate school placements. For students seeking a focused liberal arts experience with personalized guidance, Whitman combines academic rigor and community engagement in a supportive setting.

Whitman College offers a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy within its liberal arts framework. Students engage in hands-on research using the college's observatory, rooftop telescopes, and planetarium. The programme emphasizes scientific inquiry, computational skills, and real-world problem solving. It prepares students for graduate study and careers in astronomy and related fields.

Focus areas include Exoplanets and the Search for Life, Astronomical Computing, Galactic Astronomy, Cosmology, Observational Astronomy, Astrophotography.

The Astronomy major requires a total of 52 credits, distributed across core courses, advanced electives, and research experiences including a thesis or independent study. Students may pursue combined majors in Physics-Astronomy or Geology-Astronomy.

Graduates pursue careers as science journalists, postdoctoral scholars, and space scientists at institutions such as NASA and Caltech.

Applicants must submit a completed application, high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and a personal statement. A strong background in mathematics and science is expected. Admission is competitive and based on academic record and personal qualifications.

The programme totals about 52 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, four-year programme. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 50% of applicants.