The Benefits of an Astronomy Degree

Astronomy has captured the imagination of many around the world, thanks to breathtaking images from telescopes in space and on the ground, work of science communicators, and portrayals of the universe in popular media. Those who want to study the stars and other celestial bodies in depth and contribute to our understanding of the cosmos typically pursue a PhD in the field. While this is a challenging and rigorous path, it’s also an incredibly rewarding one. Regardless of whether students choose to follow the academic path or not, they typically develop a unique set of problem-solving skills and are highly marketable.

The study of astronomy is a very broad discipline that focuses on the physical functions of the universe and different theories about how it works. This means that astronomy majors learn about the solar system, how planets form, and how different components of the universe interact with each other, as well as the ways in which stars, galaxies, and the universe itself have evolved over time.

In addition to their coursework, astronomy majors usually have extensive research experience. This may involve working at a local observatory, participating in hands-on course laboratories, or even travelling to other locations around the world to use larger telescopes. Students often spend up to 40 hours a week at the observatory on top of their normal classes and other research duties. This can be a demanding and lonely field, but it is one that rewards its hardworking students with some of the most exciting career paths in all of science.

Graduates who aren’t interested in pursuing a PhD can also find jobs at planetariums or with government and research facilities like NASA. They may also become science teachers, engineers, or meteorologists. Many people who earn an undergraduate degree in astronomy end up in a wide variety of careers outside the field, as their analytical thinking, mathematical skills, and problem-solving abilities are extremely valuable across many industries.

Astronomy is a difficult major that requires a serious level of dedication and financial sacrifice to complete, especially at the doctoral level. Pursuing this career path is a significant lifestyle commitment that should be carefully considered in the light of one’s family, personal, and professional circumstances before making any final decisions. Moreover, it is important for prospective students to recognize that the career path from an undergraduate program all the way up through a tenured professorship at an academic institution can take 10 years or more and requires moving multiple times between institutions. This is a significant hurdle for international students who need to acquire an F-1 student visa in order to study in the United States.