Astronomy Discipline

Astronomy is the study of celestial objects (stars, planets, and galaxies) and phenomena that originate beyond earth’s atmosphere. It is the science of asking “what is out there in the great unknown?”Astronomy courses can cover disciplines ranging from physics to chemistry to computer science and more, and exactly which courses you choose typically depends on your desired area of astronomical focus. Astronomers decipher complex puzzles, master reasoning and analytical skills, and develop toolkits designed specifically for problem-solving. Many astronomy students also gain experience with computer programming, which often makes them highly sought-after in sectors ranging from finance to data science.

Specific Astronomy Majors

• Astronomy -> An astronomy major studies the universe, celestial objects, and the laws of physics that govern them. They develop and test scientific theories, analyze data from telescopes, and design scientific equipment

• Observational Astrophysics -> Observational astronomers aim to understand celestial objects like stars, galaxies, and black holes through sophisticated data capture and analysis, and modern observatories are their primary tools.

• Theoretical Astrophysics -> Theoretical astrophysicists use mathematical models and simulations to unravel the processes behind cosmic phenomena. This major dives deep into the abstract to get at the heart of what makes the universe tick.

• Cosmology -> Cosmology seeks to grasp the universe as a whole. Cosmologists will deal with complicated topics such as the Big Bang, inflation, dark matter, dark energy, and the ultimate fate of the universe.

• Planetary Science -> Planetary scientists concentrate their focus on the diverse bodies within our solar system and beyond. From the volcanoes of Mars to the rings of Saturn, from Earth-like exoplanets to surprisingly complex dwarf planets, planetary scientists probe the mysteries of planetary formation, evolution, and even potential habitability.

• Stellar Astrophysics -> Stellar astrophysicists narrow their gaze to stars. Students delving into this specialization will study the life cycles of stars, from their fiery births in nebulas to their often-dramatic deaths. Topics like supernovae, neutron stars, and the Sun’s evolution are all part of the curriculum for a stellar astrophysicist.

• Astrobiology -> Astrobiology combines astronomy with biology, along with a healthy dose of chemistry and geology. As well as gaining a firm understanding on the requirements for life as we know it, students will study extreme Earth environments as analogs for other worlds, helping shed light on the possibilities of life existing elsewhere in the cosmos.

Astronomy Undergraduate Sample schedule

Year	Fall Term	Winter Term	Spring Term
First Year	Physics 100: First-Year Seminar Astronomy 51: Introduction to Astronomy Math 110: Calculus 1	Physics 120: Matter in Motion Math 112: Calculus 2	Physics 121: Principles of Electromagnetics Free Elective General Education Class
Second Year	Physics 123: Heat and Light Astronomy 230: Observational Astronomy Sophomore Research Seminar	Physics 122: Relativity, Quantum, and Applications Free Elective General Education Class	Science Elective Math Elective General Education Class
Third Year	Astronomy 240: Radio Astronomy Free Elective General Education Class	Astronomy 210: Galaxies General Education Class Free Elective	Astronomy 250: Introduction to Planetary Science General Education Class Free Elective
Fourth Year	Physics 490: Senior Thesis Research Free Elective Free Elective	Physics 491: Senior Thesis Research Free Elective Free Elective	Astronomy 200: Stellar Structure and Evolution Free Elective Free Elective

Best Colleges for Astronomy Majors

1. University of Chicago

2. University of Colorado Boulder

3. University of Washington-Seattle Campus

4. Vassar College

5. Amherst College

Classes to take in high school to prepare for an astronomy major

Physics and calculus are recommended classes to take in high school to prepare for the astronomy path in college. If your high school offers honors or AP sections of these classes, then you should enroll in those, to prepare or the college class workload. These are required prerequisites in nearly every astronomy major so knocking them out of the way in high school can be immensely helpful.

Popular Career Paths

• Astronomer/Astrophysicist: Conduct research to understand the universe, often requiring a Ph.D. and involving grant writing, publishing, and scientific presentations.

• College Professor: Teach and develop research programs at universities, often after completing postdoctoral research.

• NASA and Research Centers: Work as a data assistant, researcher, or in project management at space research centers.

• Postdoctoral Researcher: A stepping stone to permanent academic or research positions, involving intensive research and data analysis.

• Aerospace Engineer: Design spacecraft, satellites, and other aerospace technology.

• Museum or Planetarium Staff: Work in public outreach, develop exhibits, or deliver educational programs to the public.

• Data Analyst/Scientist: Apply advanced analytical and computational skills to interpret large datasets for various scientific and technical applications.

Schooling you need to complete to be successfully in the astronomy field

Most research astronomers have doctorate degrees in physics or astronomy and also bachelor's and/or master's degrees in a physical science, usually physics or astronomy. It takes about 10 years of education beyond normal high school education to become a research astronomer. Other jobs that astronomy majors pursue require different amounts of schooling, some only needing a bachelors degree.