Astronomy Degree Jobs

Astronomy is a science-heavy major that requires rigorous classroom learning and laboratory work. Students can expect to study concepts ranging from the solar system to theories of space and the different possibilities of our universe.

Those seeking an undergraduate astronomy degree should look for schools that offer opportunities to get involved with research and internships. Because astronomy is a largely research-based field, this experience will help students prepare to conduct their own research in graduate school and beyond.

It’s also a good idea to consider whether a school’s astronomy program has strong connections with esteemed astronomers. Visiting campuses to meet with these faculty members can be a great way to gauge if the university’s program is a fit for prospective students.

After graduation, the skills and knowledge astronomers gain through their education can be applied to many different areas of the workforce. These career options can include cosmology, astrobiology and telescope design engineering. Additionally, astronomers often find themselves working in areas like public policy and education.

A bachelor’s degree in astronomy can lead to jobs that focus on the development and delivery of educational resources for a wide range of audiences. This may involve school workshops, planetarium shows and developing digital content for museums and observatories.

In addition to being able to convey complex scientific information to diverse audiences, astronomers must be able to make sound technical arguments in order to secure observing time with telescopes and grant funding for their research projects. They must also be able to collaborate with their colleagues, which is why teamwork and communication skills are essential for this profession.

Graduate astronomers spend the first 2-3 years of their PhD studies focused on classes before shifting their efforts to research with their academic advisors. This can be a very intense time and it’s important that students are prepared for long hours of work, as well as a significant amount of travel.

Astronomers also need to be able to think creatively when it comes to problem-solving and finding ways to use existing resources in new and unique ways. This is especially true for those who work in cosmology, which can have a profound impact on the way we perceive our universe and our place within it.

Many astronomy students choose to continue their education at the doctoral level in hopes of pursuing a research-based career. Those who do so will likely spend at least the first year or two on a postdoctoral fellowship, which is often paid a modest, tax-free stipend that can help support their living expenses. This is a great opportunity to learn how to develop research in collaboration with other scientists and to become accustomed to the pace of a professional research career.