About

What is Computer Science and Astronomy?

As a Computer Science and Astronomy student, youll study space, time, and the origins of life in our universe. Youll use supercomputers, work with computer models of black holes and galaxy clusters, and mine large datasets. Upon graduation, youll apply the knowledge you gain to challenges like:

Astronomical data processing
Analysis of large optical image data sets
Dynamical and statistical simulation of astronomical systems

Youll study, analyze, and test the boundaries of our current hardware and software to make new advances in our technology and our universe. If you like galaxies, black holes, the lives and deaths of stars, and planets, this major may be right for you.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Coursework & Grades

Following are the kinds of courses you need to take while in high school and the number of years you need to take them. You should work to consistently make strong grades in these courses.

English: 4 years required
Math: 3 or 3.5 years required, 4 years recommended
Social sciences: 2 years required, 4 years recommended
Lab sciences: 2 years required, 4 years recommended
Language other than English: 2 years required, 4 years recommended
Flexible academic units: 2 years required, 4+ years recommended

Career

Aerospace
Data science
Education
Museum work
Programming
Public service
Research

Fee Information

Application Fee 75

How to Apply

1. Gather your application materials.

Before starting the application, be sure to have a copy of your high school transcript, any test score results you're planning to include, and a credit card if you plan to pay the application fee upon submission.

2. Complete your application.

You'll provide your high school courses/grades, choose your major and a second choice, complete our writing prompts, and list your extracurricular activities, honors, and awards. You can also decide whether you want us to use your ACT/SAT scores in our review. We'll use all information submitted with your application to determine admission into campus honors programs and award merit-based scholarships.

Courses & Grades

List your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. If you're applying through Common App, we'll send you information on submitting your self-reported academic record after you apply. We'll require an official transcript only if you enroll at UIUC.

Test Scores (if provided)

We are test-optional, meaning you’re not required to submit ACT and/or SAT test results when you apply. Depending on whether or not you report ACT or SAT scores, a TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test may be required.

ACT/SAT

If you choose to report your scores, enter your highest test scores for the ACT composite and/or the SAT total without super-scoring, along with the highest sub-scores you earned in each category regardless of test date. We don't require or use the ACT writing test. We'll require official scores only if you enroll at UIUC. Our SAT code is 1836, and our ACT code is 1154.

TOEFL iBT/IELTS/Duolingo English Test

If you're including these scores, you should report your highest TOEFL iBT (do not use MyBest score), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score and highest sub-scores, regardless of test date. Test scores that will be used to fulfill the English proficiency requirement must be taken within two years of the applicant’s date of enrollment in the university. The Duolingo English Test, the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, and the IETLS Indicator will be accepted for fall 2022, but a decision has not been made for future terms.

We'll require official scores only if you enroll at UIUC. Our TOEFL iBT code is 1836. IELTS scores should be sent electronically via your testing center to the following account name: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Undergraduate. Duolingo English Test scores should be sent electronically to the following account name: University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Undergraduate Admissions.