Is Astronomy a good major?
Yes, Astronomy is a good major for those who are interested in the universe beyond our world. Astronomy special interest program where you’ll study galaxies, astrophysics, physics, and more. The Astronomy major emphasizes understanding the observed properties of the physical systems that comprise the known universe, from the Sun and solar system to the evolution of stars and star clusters to the Milky Way Galaxy to external galaxies and clusters of galaxies
Students who choose an Astronomy major are those who wish to have an astronomy research career or an astronomy background for use in related fields, such as working in national laboratories, observatories, planetariums, NASA, aerospace industry, many computer-related fields, journalism, or science writing to name a few.
Is Astronomy a hard major?
Yes. Astronomy is a hard major and it requires a very good understanding of math. Astronomy’s all about applied physics and maths. As some have noted, you have to master the basics of physics including quantum mechanics, relativity, and electricity-magnetism. Even the brightest and most diligent students will have plenty of late nights and stressful cram sessions during their astronomy studies.
Careers for astronomy majors
The number of astronomy and space science jobs is limited, but the number of qualified people seeking those jobs is also limited. Astronomy graduates are expected to obtain advanced degrees. Astronomy majors can find works such as:
- Planetary geologists
- Astrobiologists
- Cosmologists
- Senior technical writer
- College professor
- Research scientist.
- Planetarium director
- Meteorologist
- Climatologist
- Telescope design engineers
- Aeronautical engineer
- Astronomer
Astronomy major salary
Astronomy is a good major in the United States with a limited number of job roles to explore. There is no standard salary for any Astronomy jobs. Your salary also depends on if you’re working in the private or public sector. In the United States, the median annual wage for astronomers was $128,160 in May 2021
Some classes Astronomy majors may likely take:
- Astrophysics or Astronomy
- Observational Astronomy
- Quantum Theory
- Stars: From Suns to Black Holes and either Astronomy
- The Solar System–Our Planetary Home or Astronomy
- The Milky Way Galaxy and the Universe Beyond
- Particles and Waves
- Particles and Waves–Enriched
- Foundations of Modern Physics
- Modern Physics
- Calculus
What other majors are related to Astronomy?
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Astrophysics
- Atmospheric sciences and meteorology
- Planetary astronomy and science
- Physical sciences
- Geological and earth sciences/geosciences
| Course difficult | 75% |
| Acceptance rate | 87% |
| Relevance metric | 7% |
| Job availability | 3% |
| Estimated number of student | Nil |
| Colleges with Astronomy Major | 70+ See schools here |
References:
- Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
- The Astronomy Major
- How difficult is it to get a degree in astronomy?