Astronomy
Major
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 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.
Introductory
Astronomy |
Stellar
Astronomy |
Planetary
Astronomy |
Astrophysics |
Galaxies
and the Universe |
The
Solar System |
Physics
Courses |
Mathematics
Courses |
The
Search for Extraterrestrial Life |
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What
Types of Positions do Astronomy Majors Take After College?
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. Positions for graduates
in astronomy are not readily available, so students in
this field often go on for graduate work in order to hold
professional positions.
Astronomer |
Teacher
of Earth Science |
Community
College Instructor |
Planetarium
Staff |
Natural
History Museum Staff |
Spacecraft
Operations Specialist |
Spacecraft
Researcher |
Teacher
of Physics and Chemistry |
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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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Related
Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, check out some of the following
links. You might also want to check out web sites for
University or College departments offering this major.
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University
Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
| For information on options available to campuses
wishing to see their majors listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
| For
information on options available to campuses wishing
to see their majors listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Similar
Two-Year College Curriculums to Consider
| Suggest
to your two-year college advisor that their institution's
majors be included to show you their course requirements
and unique resources. Two-year college representatives
should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
More on Choosing Your College Major 
