Undergraduate Research
Experiential Learning That Sets You Apart
Undergraduate research in astronomy at UNC Asheville opens the universe as a laboratory for discovery. Students collaborate closely with faculty on projects that can span observational astronomy, planetary science, cosmology, and data-driven analysis of celestial phenomena. With access to the university’s observatory, remote telescopes, and computational tools, astronomy majors gain hands-on experience collecting and interpreting real astronomical data. The small, supportive program ensures that undergraduates—not graduate students—are at the forefront of research, building the skills, curiosity, and confidence needed for advanced study or careers in astronomy, physics, and related fields.
of UNC Asheville students participate in undergraduate research
students and alumni have been awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholarships
National Conference on Undergraduate Research Member
In the Spotlight
I learned that the process of scientific research can be long and sometimes defeating, but there are always great breakthroughs along the way that push you further and further.
Jump Start Your Career with Undergraduate Research
Jump Start Your Career with Undergraduate Research
The Undergraduate Research Program at UNC Asheville empowers students to design and conduct original research in partnership with faculty mentors. Open to all undergraduates, the program supports scholarly and creative projects across all disciplines, with opportunities to earn academic credit, present at conferences, and publish in the university’s research journal. Students develop independent inquiry skills while working closely with faculty to pursue questions that matter to them. The program offers funding, symposia, and national recognition, including a University Research Scholar designation for those who both present and publish.
Ready for What’s Next?
The astronomy program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to elevate your understanding of space. Here, you won’t just learn about the stars—you’ll observe them firsthand with our state-of-the-art observatory. You graduate with a deep understanding of the forces shaping our universe and lay the foundation for a meaningful and impactful career in the field.