Department of Astronomy

Astronomy at a Glance

5 Faculty
19 Undergraduate Students
100+ Years of Research

Our Programs

Astronomy at Wesleyan is an immersive experience from the start. Our programs blend research and hands-on learning with access to professional-quality telescopes, instrumentation, and computational tools to give students real experience in the field from day one.

Astronomy Major

Undergraduates gain first-hand experience and mentorship working with faculty in active research groups.
Master of Arts in Astronomy

Wesleyan’s stand-alone Master of Arts in astronomy opens pathways to doctoral programs and scientific careers.
BA/MA in Astronomy

This program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for Bachelor’s degree candidates to earn their BA and MA in five years.
Planetary Science

Offered through the Departments of Astronomy and Earth and Environmental Sciences, the planetary science minor and MA concentration are growing programs that explore the origins and evolution of planetary systems.

Van Vleck Observatory

Van Vleck Observatory has merged scientific education with meaningful research for more than a century. Our professional-quality facilities, telescopes, and public outreach activities empower students, faculty, and visitors to expand their horizons.

Explore the Observatory

Astronomy Colloquia

Astronomy Colloquia feature world experts presenting cutting-edge research on topics from protostars to black holes and beyond. These events expose students to current developments in the field, encourage intellectual engagement, and foster networking opportunities between students, faculty, and visiting scholars.

Colloquia Events