The astronomy curriculum includes introductory and advanced astrophysics courses with topics covering planets and exoplanets, stars, interstellar matter, galaxies, cosmology, and observational techniques.

The hands-on approach to astronomy at Vassar was shaped by Maria Mitchell, America?s first woman astronomer and also the first director of the Vassar College Observatory. She was famous for pushing her students to think for themselves, do their own research, and come to their own conclusions. She believed that students work best when they are part of a supportive scientific community. The astronomy faculty at Vassar are committed to the same principles, with a myriad of opportunities for learning and research available to students in the department.