Good northeastern astronomy astrophysics programs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on identifying good colleges for astronomy and astrophysics programs located on the east coast, particularly within a four-hour radius of New York City. Participants explore various institutions, their strengths, and the relevance of different degree paths in relation to career opportunities in the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for colleges with strong astronomy and astrophysics programs, expressing concerns about the quality of college search resources.
  • Another participant suggests that a physics major may be more beneficial than a dedicated astronomy or astrophysics major, emphasizing the importance of coursework in astronomy, math, and computer science for graduate studies.
  • A participant mentions an interest in pursuing a government program, such as NASA, after obtaining a degree.
  • It is noted that there are 12 colleges in the area offering a master's degree or higher in astronomy, with a mix of Ivy League and non-Ivy institutions, including Boston University, Penn State, UMass, Maryland, and Wesleyan.
  • Recommendations for NYU and SUNY-Stony Brook are made, with one participant sharing positive feedback about Stony Brook's astronomy program and mentioning that NYU offers graduate-level astronomy programs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the presence of several good colleges for astronomy and astrophysics within the specified region, but there is no consensus on the best approach to undergraduate studies or the necessity of a dedicated astronomy major versus a physics major.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of research opportunities and the potential for early involvement in research at liberal arts colleges, but there is no detailed exploration of specific programs or their unique offerings.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective students interested in pursuing degrees in astronomy or astrophysics, particularly those looking for colleges on the east coast near New York City.

striker7770
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Hi, the name really says it all, I've been looking for good colleges that focus on astronomy and astrophysics, either or. The problem is that the college search sites really are not good at deciding between a college with astronomy, and a GOOD college with astronomy, one that has research, good teachers etc.
Any college would be helpful, i want to stay close to the east coast, 4 hours away from new york city tops. and I am not good enough for the ivy leagues.

also is there any ok schools for astronomy and astrophysics, not the best, but good saftey schools

thanks for the help
 
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What are you planning to do with that degree? There's not a lot you can do without a PhD in astronomy or physics, and frankly a physics major would be the best preparation you can get - you don't need a separate astronomy or astrophysics major. A physics major with classes in astronomy, math, and computer science would prepare you for either physics or astronomy grad programs. And you can study physics almost anywhere. Good programs within a few hours of NYC would be Rutgers, UMass Amherst, BU, Penn State, and a whole bunch of liberal arts colleges. Those often give you the opportunity to start research early, so don't discount them.
 
i was thinking of going to join a government program, NASA, etc.
 
There are 12 colleges in your area that offer a MS or higher in astronomy, indicating that their undergrad programs are at least moderately strong. (Although in some cases, their undergrad degrees are in physics). Seven are Ivies.

The remaining 5 are Boston University, Penn State, U Mass, Maryland and Wesleyan. Wesleyan does not have a PhD program.
 
You might also look at NYU and SUNY-Stony Brook. Both have good astrophysics programs.
 
phyzguy said:
You might also look at NYU and SUNY-Stony Brook. Both have good astrophysics programs.

I second this. I know a few students at Stony Brook who study Astronomy and they are extremely happy there. Also, I've heard only good things about NYU's physics and astronomy programs -- though I believe they only offer astronomy at the graduate level. Check into it though, they're both great schools.
 

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