The astronomy program at San Diego State University offers three degrees in astronomy. Two are at the undergraduate level. The bachelor's of art degree requires fluency in a foreign language, while the bachelor's of science degree asks for additional courses in the hard sciences. There is also a Master's of science degree to prepare for Ph.D. studies. Preparatory work in physics and astronomy are required, in addition to upper division courses in advanced astronomy and astrophysics. Students in the program will have access to computer and image processing technology, as well as the on-campus observatory, which has three 12-inch and 10 8-inch telescopes for student use. They also have access to the Mount Laguna Observatory, which houses three modern research telescopes in a remote area of California.
The University of California at Santa Cruz has 24 faculty members dedicated to teaching both observational and theoretical astronomy and astrophysics. The undergraduate program offers both a bachelor's degree and a minor. Courses in physics and mathematics are necessary at the start of the program, while upper division programs complete it. These courses include Stellar Structure & Evolution, Star Formation and Planetary Physics. The school also offers a Ph.D. program in astrophysics and astronomy. Students at the college will have access to the Lick Observatory and its astronomical library as well as the Kreck Telescope in Hawaii.
The University of California at Berkeley also has an astronomy program at three levels. It offers a bachelor's, Master's and doctorate degree. Some of the fields of study the program delves into include observational and theoretical astronomy and infrared, optical and radio astronomy. Some of the classes offered include Radiation Processes in Astronomy, Stellar Dynamics and Galactic Structure and cosmology. The nearby Leuschner Observatory allows students the use of its 30-inch telescope. Research opportunities, both on and off campus, are not only offered to graduate students but also to select undergraduate students.
For those students just starting out, El Camino College offers an associate in science degree in astronomy for those interested in transferring into an undergraduate program in the future. The program will teach students the basics in physics, astronomy, mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, lights and sounds, among other topics. During the course of study, students will construct their own telescopes and apply them in classroom observation trips. Students also have access to the El Camino observatory to aid their research.