CAS: Astronomy
Sample Pathway
Below is an example of a four-year plan of a College of General Studies student pursuing a degree in astronomy. Students will work with their CGS academic advisors and the astronomy department to plan their own pathway to an astronomy degree.
| Gap Semester | Recommended external course: Calculus I (equivalent to CAS MA 123). Note: Prior approval must be granted for external coursework. | |
| Term 1 | Term 2 | |
| First Year | CGS RH 103 CGS SS 103 CAS AS 203* CAS MA 124 |
(London or New England summer semester) CGS HU 104 CGS RH 104 CGS SS 104 |
| Sophomore Year | CGS SS 201 CGS HU 201 CAS AS 202* CAS PY 211 or PY 251 |
CGS HU 202 CAS MA 225 CAS PY 212 or PY 252 CAS Second Language (if needed) |
| Junior Year | CAS PY 313 or PY 351 CAS AS 311 CAS MA 226 or CAS MA 242 CAS Second Language (if needed) |
CAS PY 355 CAS AS 312 CAS Second Language (if needed) Elective** |
| Senior Year | Astronomy Elective [AS 413 (if offered) or PY 405] Astronomy Elective CAS Second Language (if needed) Elective** |
CAS AS 441 Astronomy Elective Elective** Elective** |
*Please contact Anne Smartvlasak in the Astronomy Department to request permission to add the class.
**Choose your non-major electives carefully to fulfill any remaining BU Hub requirements. You will find a list of all of the courses that carry Hub units on the University’s BU Hub website. External courses are not eligible for Hub general education credit.
Astronomy courses by HUB Unit can be found on the Astronomy Department webpage.
Academic Advising
CGS Requirements
Major Requirements
Continuation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
This is a sample pathway to be used in consultation with your CGS Academic Advisor.
It is subject to change according to course availability and individual circumstances.
Last revised: 07/22/2025