Learn in the classroom and the lab in UNC Asheville’s astronomy major, which offers a comprehensive curriculum, cutting-edge research opportunities, and hands-on experiences.
Why Study Astronomy at UNC Asheville?
The study of astronomy draws on a wide range of disciplines, including physics, engineering, chemistry, math, and computational and data science. As a result, it provides an opportunity for individuals to develop skills and interests in these areas while gaining a deeper understanding of how they work together to explain fundamental phenomena observed in the Universe.
Student Spotlight
Senior Meghan Sedberry was one of 20 students to receive a Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Award for her undergraduate research at the 245th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, the largest astronomy meeting in history.
Outside the Classroom
At the University of North Carolina Asheville, our commitment to educational excellence extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of the lecture hall. As you deepen your understanding of astronomy, explore the myriad opportunities awaiting you outside the classroom, including student clubs, employment opportunities, and hands-on research under the night sky.
Astronomy Club of Asheville
A community organization, the Astronomy Club of Asheville is free and open to students with various backgrounds and areas of interest. The Club has over 200 members and aims to promote the enjoyment of astronomy in the community. An “all-volunteer” organization, the Club hosts indoor meetings and outdoor star gazes.
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI)
Students have the opportunity to leverage the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute facilities, formerly used by NASA, in their research endeavors. Our connections with PARI enable students to perform research in radio astronomy and time-domain optical astronomy using PARI’s Astronomical Photographic Data Archive.
Faculty
Discover a faculty dedicated to nurturing your passion for astronomy. Our experienced professors bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring an enriching learning environment for all students. As active researchers, they make meaningful contributions to their field and empower students to engage in hands-on learning and research experiences.
Judy Beck
Senior Lecturer
| Office: 124A Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6049 |
| Email: jbeck@unca.edu |
Christian Kerpal, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
| Office: 124E Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6047 |
| Email: ckerpal@unca.edu |
Britt Lundgren, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
| Office: 117 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828)-255-7130 |
| Email: blundgre@unca.edu |
David Wake, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Lookout Observatory Director
| Office: 107 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5036 |
| Email: dwake@unca.edu |
Astronomy Careers & Outcomes
Our program prepares graduates for a wide variety of career paths in science, industry, education, and more. We equip students to make a meaningful impact within and beyond the field of astronomy, including in computing and data science, technology and instrumentation development, science policy and communication, and aerospace industries.
While a student’s career path may vary greatly depending on their field of study, recent graduates successfully gained admittance to selective graduate programs across the country, including Brandeis University, Wake Forest University, University of South Carolina, University of Delaware, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and University of Utah. Recent graduates have also pursued successful careers straight out of their degree as telescope operators, software developers, engineers, and data scientists.
Related Programs
Embolden Your Curiosity in UNC Asheville’s Astronomy Major
The astronomy major offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to elevate your understanding of space. Here, you won’t just learn about the stars—you’ll observe them firsthand with our state-of-the-art observatory. You graduate with a deep understanding of the forces shaping our universe and lay the foundation for a meaningful and impactful career in the field.
Contact Us
| Department of Physics and Astronomy |
| Phone: 828.251.5133 |
| Email: jperkins@unca.edu |
