Astronomy

Students who major in astronomy are filled with sense of wonder when they stare into the night sky. They question if life is on Mars, or where the nearest asteroid floats. They seek knowledge related to the formation of the planets, stars, galaxies and black holes. One of the oldest sciences, astronomy helped give birth to the study of physics during the Renaissance. The two disciplines are closely intertwined: atomic and nuclear physics help describe the makeup and characteristics of stars. Also, an understanding of geology, biology, atmospheric and environmental science, and philosophy are necessary. Thanks to advancements in technology during the last few decades, many astronomy students get to use powerful instruments – like high powered telescopes – to observe the faraway places they study. Courses in the major include observational astronomy, cosmology, astrophysics and planetary astronomy.

Graduates can make a career out of researching the sky as astronomers – perhaps as professors or employees for NASA. Such positions usually require a PhD, so students often continue their education well past undergrad. But some lucky individuals can find work with just a bachelor’s degree at some NASA organizations in a support role if they wish to take a break from school. Employment in general for astronomers and physicists is expected to increase through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growth can be attributed to the America COMPETES Act passed by Congress in 2007, which attempts to double research funding for the physical sciences.