Skip to main content

Secondary Menu

  • Hotline
  • Give Now

Call to Action Menu

  • Contact Us
  • Visit Us
  • Apply Now
Enter the terms you wish to search for.
Search type:
Information for:

Information Menu

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Alumni
  • Donors & Friends
  • Business & Industry
  • Visitors
Penn State Behrend mark Home
Penn State Behrend mark Home
Penn State Behrend
Search

Information Menu

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Alumni
  • Donors & Friends
  • Business & Industry
  • Visitors

Secondary Menu

  • Hotline
  • Give Now

Call to Action Menu

  • Contact Us
  • Visit Us
  • Apply Now

Main navigation

  • This is Penn State
  • Academics
  • Admission
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Research and Outreach
Information for:

Information Menu

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Alumni
  • Donors & Friends
  • Business & Industry
  • Visitors

Main navigation

  • This is Penn State
  • Academics
  • Admission
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Research and Outreach
  1. Home
  2. School of Science
  3. Academic Programs

Astronomy

Student in Mehalso ObservatoryAstronomy is the study of the sun, moon, stars, planets, comets, gas, galaxies, gas, dust and other regions and objects beyond the Earth.

While no degree program in astronomy is offered at Penn State Behrend, students can complete coursework in astronomy that can be applied to other science degree programs, to either a major or minor in Astronomy and Astrophysics degree at the University Park campus, or to general education science credits.

Behrend students who are interested in astronomy, either just for a course to take or perhaps as a profession, should bear the following in mind: All astronomy courses at Behrend have some physics and math! How else could one understand how humans measure the distance to a galaxy, the temperature of a star, or the mass of a planet?

Students who aspire to major in astronomy are strongly encouraged to major or minor in physics since everything that astronomers do requires a firm understanding of both physics and mathematics. Students could later apply their classroom and laboratory experiences in physics to graduate school in astrophysics or a related area if they so desire.

Students taking astronomy coursework at Penn State Behrend have the opportunity to use the Mehalso Observatory as part of their studies. Located behind the Otto Behrend Science Building, the observatory provides opportunities for classroom use, viewing by the public in Behrend's popular Open House Nights in Astronomy, and undergraduate research for science students. Students also may visit the Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend, located in the Zurn Building.

Specialized Areas of Study in the School of Science

  • Astronomy

    • Mehalso Observatory
  • Geoscience

See Also

  • Physics
  • Physics Minor
  • Physics and Astronomy Faculty
  • Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend

4701 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6000
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Behrend highlighted

Secondary Menu

  • Hotline
  • Give Now

Call to Action Menu

  • Contact Us
  • Visit Us
  • Apply Now
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, offers the learning opportunities of a major research university in a welcoming, student-centered campus environment.
Information for:

Information Menu

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Alumni
  • Donors & Friends
  • Business & Industry
  • Visitors

Footer Menu

  • +This is Penn State
    • Behrend At A Glance
    • College History
    • College Leadership
    • College Strategy
    • Employment
    • People & Departments
  • +Academics
    • Majors & Minors
    • Graduate Programs
    • Academic Advising
    • Bookstore
    • Career Planning
    • College Registrar
    • Learning Resource Center
    • Lilley Library
    • Study Abroad
  • +Admission
    • Undergraduate
    • Graduate
    • Adult Learners
    • International Students
    • Veterans
    • Visit Us
  • +Research/Outreach
    • Faculty Research
    • Student Research
    • Community & Workforce Programs
    • Innovation Commons
    • Knowledge Park
    • Pennsylvania Sea Grant
    • Plastics Training Academy
    • WPSE Radio
    • Yahn Planetarium
    • Youth Outreach
  • +Student Life
    • Student Leadership and Involvement
    • Athletics & Intramurals
    • Equity & Diversity
    • Housing & Residence Life
    • International Student Services
    • Student Services
  • +Academic Schools
    • Black School of Business
    • School of Engineering
    • School of Humanities & Social Sciences
    • School of Science
    • Nursing Program
  • +Tuition & Aid
    • Tuition & Costs
    • Financial Aid
    • Grants
    • Scholarships
    • Veterans Benefits
  • +Resources
    • Behrend Blog
    • Calendars
    • Campus Map
    • Directions
    • Parking
    • Safety on Campus
    • Virtual Tour

Connect with Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • instagram
  • youtube
Penn State University
Penn State University

Footer Info Menu

  • Employment
  • Hotline
  • Website Feedback
  • Map
  • Search
4701 College Drive, Erie, PA 16563 | 814-898-6000

Footer Legal Menu

  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
The Pennsylvania State University © 2022