The University of Arizona is considered to have one of the top academic programs in astronomy available in the United States as well as in other countries. The program works closely with Steward Observatory, which is one of the top research centers in the world. The astronomy department educators at the University of Arizona each have joint obligations between teaching at the college and researching at the observatory. The University of Arizona offers both graduate and undergraduate programs.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
520-621-2211
arizona.edu/
California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, prides itself in offering one of the best astronomy programs. Discoveries, such as quasars, expansion of the universe, and the theory of nucleosynthesis, were all made at this research institution. The studies of VLBI and infrared astronomy were also developed at Caltech. Students in astronomy programs at Caltech are given opportunities to learn by watching and participating in all research efforts in the department. Caltech is known for its two working Keck telescopes, which are the world's biggest optical telescopes, in Hawaii. Other telescopes at the Palomar Observatory are also in use.
California Institute of Technology
1200 East California Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91125
626-395-6811
caltech.edu/
The University of California, Berkeley Astronomy Department offers many opportunities for students to gain first hand experience. Berkeley offers several different fields of studies pertaining to research and knowledge in astronomy as well as numerous instruments and telescopes for student use.
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
510-642-6000
astro.berkeley.edu/