Astronomy Major

• What is Astronomy?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Astronomy?
• What Courses Do Astronomy Majors Take?
• List of Astronomy Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Astronomy Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Astronomy?

Astronomy deals with the physical properties of the extraterrestial universe, the sun, the solar system, comets and the stars and galaxies. Students majoring in Astronomy are those with a strong aptitude toward mathematics and physics. In many universities, astronomy is located within the physics department and may only be a minor. Astronomy students will usually have a strong inclination toward theoretical constructs. Information in this field changes regularly as new information is collected and analyzed, so an excitement for research is also required. Because of the highly scientific and mathematical nature of astronomy, computer work is a strong component of the curriculum. Students will be programming original applications, as well as working with statistical and other specialized computer packages.

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What Kinds of Students Major in Astronomy?

Astronomy is generally recognized as a sub-field within physics. In order to be successful in this field a student must be very strong in physics, mathematics and the sciences, generally. This calls for a mind that can deal with conceptual frameworks and ideas readily, especially since the objects of study are seldom within reach.

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What Courses Do Astronomy Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Astronomy majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

The Solar System	Astrophysics
Galaxies and the Universe	Introductory Astronomy
Mathematics Courses	Physics Courses
Planetary Astronomy	Stellar Astronomy
The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

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List of Potential Jobs in Astronomy

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Astronomer	Community College Instructor
Natural History Museum Staff	Planetarium Staff
Spacecraft Operations Specialist	Spacecraft Researcher
Teacher of Earth Science	Teacher of Physics and Chemistry

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What is the Median Salary Range for Astronomy Careers?

Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Astronomy

MyMajors complete list has 103 schools in the USA with a major in Astronomy.
-View the national listing!

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