Astronomy is a physical science that explores the functions and processes of the universe. It focuses on cosmology, astronomical observations, and the development of scientific theories. In addition to a strong background in physics and math, astronomy students take courses that explore the planets and stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.
The study of astronomy is an excellent major for students who have a passion for space exploration and discovery. It’s also a great option for students who want to learn more about the history of the universe or other fascinating topics in astronomy.
Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree in astronomy. This is a three or four-year program that prepares students for graduate work in astronomy, astrophysics or a related field such as geology.
Typically, coursework in astronomy consists of a mix of general science courses and astronomy-specific classes, such as the history of astronomy, space physics, and geochemistry and geology. Other topics include the origin of the universe, solar system formation, planetary systems, space technology, and astronomical observation techniques.
As an astronomy major, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct research with professors who are leaders in their fields. Your mentors will guide you through the steps of identifying an area of interest, designing your own research project, and presenting it to faculty members.
You can also choose to conduct your research in a laboratory, such as our lab in the science building. As a result, you’ll get to use state-of-the-art equipment and work with expert faculty.
Career Opportunities and Benefits
After graduating from an astronomy major, you can find employment as a professional astronomer or astrophysicist at universities or colleges, or in the sciences at government laboratories or facilities such as NASA. Other careers for astronomy graduates include teaching astronomy to high school or college students, working at planetariums or observatories, or even developing software for astronomy or space exploration.
The number of available astronomy jobs has been increasing each year, making it a competitive field. As a result, many astronomers spend their days in research laboratories or at observing sites and telescopes, gathering data on the universe’s most fascinating objects.
Most astronomers spend about 10 to 30 nights per year at an observatory, collecting astronomical observations or working with spacecraft. They then spend the rest of their time conducting research or analyzing the data that they have collected.
Some astronomers are research astrophysicists and conduct research at a university department or national facility, but most of their jobs involve collecting and interpreting astronomical observations. Other astronomers focus on theoretical astrophysics and spend most of their time studying the origin and evolution of the universe through supercomputers or other advanced computer technologies.
Astronomy majors often go on to doctoral degrees in astronomy or a related discipline, such as physics. Some graduates pursue other academic careers, such as teaching astronomy to middle and high school students or pursuing a career in science writing or journalism. Others become engineers, medical doctors, software developers or meteorologists.