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 Astronomy Faculty Mentor
In addition to being assigned a CAS Academic Advisor, once a CAS student declares a major in one of the astronomy programs, the student is assigned a Faculty Mentor from among the Astronomy faculty. Faculty Mentors help students map out 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 assigned CAS academic 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. Students may also meet with their faculty mentor once a semester. Some students choose to meet with their mentors more frequently.
Mentor Help / Changing Faculty Mentors
The Astronomy 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 faculty mentor. A student may request a change of faculty mentor 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 faculty advisor?
Our Director of Undergraduate Studies coordinates departmental faculty mentor advising assignments.
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, the DUS may have additional questions.
They will then assign you an Astronomy faculty mentor. The Department Administrator will facilitate the addition or change of advisor, as reflected in MyBU Student.
I'm interested in majoring in one of the Astronomy plans. What typical coursework is involved for one of the Astronomy majors?
Students interested in majoring in one of the Astronomy plans can review the
Sample Program Outlines for Astronomy Majors for 4-year program examples.
These sample programs can provide guidance on pathways through the majors to the Bachelor of Arts (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 Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
Note that each student’s path is distinct, so working with your Astronomy faculty advising mentor 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 the Astronomy Department. How do I do that?
Students interested in changing to one of the Astronomy plans 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’s academic advising office for instructions.
I’d like to switch faculty advising mentors. How can I do that?
