Best Mathematics and Science colleges in Tucson

Did you know that over half of all known near-earth asteroids and comets have been discovered by the University of Arizona? With its top-notch equipment (UA is the only university in the continental U.S. with its own radio telescope) and impressive staff (faculty member Roger Angel was a 2015 inductee into the National Inventors Hall of Fame), the sky’s the limit for students who want to make a mark on the universe. More than two-thirds of graduates of the highly selective Ph.D. program go on to long-term or permanent employment in astronomy. Astronomy undergrads receive a strong foundation in physics and math. Most work directly with faculty on research, perhaps studying the distribution of biological material in space or measuring the dimming of a star. The department also strives to educate anyone interested in the discipline and boasts one of the nation’s largest enrollments in astronomy for non-science majors. Any description of UA’s astronomy program would be lacking without mention of the Steward Observatory, which has played a key role in major space astronomy missions. (Ever heard of the Hubble Space Telescope?) Its original dome is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But you’ll never guess where Steward’s cutting-edge mirror lab is located – under the east side of Arizona Stadium!