Astrobiology (available Fall 2026!)

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Time Lapse photo of star motion in the sky

 

Bridge the gap between science and society with the BA in Applied Humanities – Astrobiology emphasis. This program integrates fundamental astrobiology and closely associated life and physical sciences with the collaborative, global, intercultural, and future-oriented practices of the humanities to prepare students for careers in the human side of the space sector.

Key Sectors: Aerospace, Biotechnology, Data Science, Education, Law, and Policy
Careers:  Research Administration, Science Education, Science Journalism, and Space Policy
Graduate Paths: Astrobioethics, Humanities and the Social Sciences, Journalism, Planetary Policy, and Space Law

Core Courses
  • PAH 200 Introduction to Applied Humanities (3 units)
  • PAH 201 Applied Humanities Practice: Techniques and Technologies for Public Enrichment (3 units)
  • PAH 372 Intercultural Competence: Culture, Identity, Adaptation, and Intercultural Relations (3 units)
  • PAH 383 Pre-Internship: Building Career Readiness (3 units)
  • PAH 420 Innovation and the Human Condition: Learning How to Improve Life in the Community and Beyond (3 units)
  • PAH 493 Internship (3 units)
  • PAH 498 Senior Capstone (3 units)
  • One elective (3 units) from the approved list
Emphasis Courses

Complete all four of the following courses (12 units):

  • ASTR/PTYS 170A1 Alien Earths
  • PTYS 170B2 Universe and Humanity: Exploring Our Place in Space
  • PTYS 214 Life in the Cosmos
  • ASTR 320 Philosophy and History of Astronomical Thought 

Complete one of the following four biology courses (3 units):

  • BE 170A2 Formation of a Planetary Biosystem
  • ECOL 170C2 The Diversity of Life
  • MCB 170C1 Evolution of Modern Biology
  • MCB 437 Life in Extreme Environments 

Students will complete one of the following elective course options (3 units):

  • ALC 422 Communicating Knowledge in Agriculture and the Life Sciences
  • ASTR 325 Science and Science Fiction
  • ASTR 333 Astronomy and the Arts
  • GEOS 170C1 Life on Earth
  • GEOS 478 Global Change
  • GEOS 497J Dendroarcheology
  • PTYS 416 Asteroids, Comets and KBOs
  • SBS 310 Science of Consciousness
  • SCI 301 Introduction of Orbital Perspective
  • SCI 401 Science Communication 

Ready to Declare?

Thank you for your interest in Public and Applied Humanities. There are many benefits of majoring in Applied Humanities.

Online Form

Complete the online major declaration form (NetID required). An academic advisor will follow up with more information as soon as possible. Please note that there may be slight delays during registration and other periods during the semester. If you have any questions, please contact cohadv@arizona.edu.