Academic Advising
Effective academic advising is an important part of every academic program. Any student considering one of the astronomy majors is urged to discuss their goals, and how these might be met, with the Astronomy Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Being Assigned an Advisor
Once a student declares a major in one of the astronomy programs, the student is assigned an academic advisor from among the Astronomy faculty. Academic advisors help students design an academic program that both meets their goals and fulfills the requirements of the chosen major and the general Bachelor of Arts degree requirements, including meeting Hub general education requirements.
Advising Frequency
Students meet with their advisor at least once a semester to review their progress, discuss changes in their goals or plans, and to consider appropriate courses for the following semester. Some students choose to meet with their advisor more frequently.
Advisor Help / Changing Advisors
The Director of Undergraduate Studies is available to meet with any student who wishes further advice on any matter, or who would rather not discuss some issue with their advisor. A student may request a change of academic advisor without giving a reason.
Getting Started (FAQs):
I recently officially declared/changed my major to one of the Astronomy majors.
How do I get an Astronomy academic advisor?
Our Director of Undergraduate Studies coordinates departmental faculty advising.
To be assigned an Astronomy faculty advisor, please:
- Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies with an update that you have recently changed your major to one in the Astronomy department. Please note that if the change in major (plan) has not been reflected in MyBU Student, they may have additional questions.
They will then assign you an Astronomy faculty advisor. The Department Administrator will facilitate the addition or change of advisor, as reflected in MyBU Student.
I'm interested in majoring in Astronomy. What typical coursework is involved for one of the Astronomy majors?
Students interested in majoring in one of the Astronomy majors can review the
Sample Program Outlines for Astronomy Majors for example 4-year programs.
These sample programs can provide guidance on pathways through the majors to the BA degree. These examples fall into three main cases (A, B, and C) that each depend on how much (or little) calculus exposure a student received in high school, including obtaining AP credits.
Note that each student’s path is distinct, so working with your Astronomy academic advisor faculty member is essential for avoiding difficulties and for finding opportunities.
How do Astronomy courses meet my BU Hub unit requirements?
The majority of undergraduate courses offered in the Astronomy Department satisfy at least one BU Hub unit requirement.
Review what courses offered in the department satisfy BU Hub units by:
I’d like to change my major to one in Astronomy. How do I do that?
Students interested in changing to one of the Astronomy majors should first review the corresponding
requirements for the major.
Declaring a Major
Current CAS Student
All changes in major for current CAS undergraduate students are managed by the CAS Academic Advising Office. Current students should submit an online CAS Advising Major Declaration Form to make any changes to major designation(s).
Not Currently CAS Student
Students in a different BU college, who are not current CAS students, and would like to do an Intra-University Transfer into CAS, should schedule an appointment with the CAS Academic Advising Office.
I’d like to minor in Astronomy. What do I need to do?
Students interested in adding an Astronomy minor should first review the corresponding
requirements for the minor.
Declaring a Minor
Current CAS Student
Similar to declaring or changing your major, declaring a minor is managed by the CAS Academic Advising Office. Current students should submit an online CAS Advising Minor Declaration Form to make any changes to minor designation(s).
Not Currently CAS Student
If you are a non-CAS student seeking to declare a CAS minor, please contact your home school for instructions.
I’d like to switch advisors. How can I do that?
