USC Astronomy
Transfer Requirements and Classes

The major preparation USC lists for Astronomy transfers starts with ASTR 110, MATH 125g and MATH 126g; the full list is below.

82 California community colleges have a current transfer agreement with USC for this major. Pick yours below to see which of its classes count.

California community colleges with a transfer agreement for Astronomy

Your community college

Which classes count at your community college?

Pick your college to see its class for each USC requirement.

Major Requirements

USC Astronomy Major Preparation

The courses USC lists as Astronomy major preparation for transfer applicants, for the 2026-27 academic year. Course numbers are USC's own; pick your community college above to see the matching class there.

Required Lower-Division Courses

Complete all of these

ASTR 110 The Universe for Astronomy Majors
MATH 125g Calculus I
MATH 126g Calculus II
MATH 226g Calculus III
MATH 245 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I
PHYS 161Lg Advanced Principles of Physics I
PHYS 162L Advanced Principles of Physics II
PHYS 163L Advanced Principles of Physics III
PHYS 190 Physics Discovery Series

Required Upper-Division Courses

Complete all of these

ASTR 350 Astrophysics I
ASTR 424 Cosmology
MATH 445 Mathematics of Physics and Engineering II
PHYS 304 Mechanics
PHYS 316 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 408a Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 438a Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and its Applications
PHYS 492L Senior Lab

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USC have an Astronomy major for transfer students?

Yes. USC offers Astronomy and lists the major preparation it expects transfer applicants to complete.

What classes do I need to transfer to USC for Astronomy?

USC's Astronomy major preparation includes ASTR 110, MATH 125g, MATH 126g, MATH 226g, MATH 245 and PHYS 161Lg, with more courses in the list on this page. Pick your community college on this page to see which of its classes match.

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