These are among the courses that make up an astronomy program:\n
\n- Mathematics / Calculus
\n- Statistics
\n- Chemistry
\n- Physics
\n- Astrophysics
\n- Cosmology \u2013 the science of the origin and development of the universe
\n- Electromagnetism
\n- Structure and Evolution of Stars
\n- Planetary Geology
\n- Computer Science
\n- Computer Programming
\n
\n
Note: Astronomy is the science of measuring the positions and characteristics of celestial bodies. Astrophysics is the application of the laws of physics to understand and interpret astronomy. As the difference is merely technical, the terms astronomy and astrophysics are used interchangeably.
", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.091512-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T13:08:32.934916-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 245, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Astronomy \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nAt the bachelor\u2019s level, astronomy students learn about the mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering concepts that apply to the field. They are introduced to the two subfields of astronomy:\r\n\r\n- Observational Astronomy \u2013 the acquiring and analyzing of data using the principles of physics\r\n- Theoretical Astronomy \u2013 the design of computer models to study astronomical objects and phenomena\r\n\r\nCoursework includes:\r\n\r\n- Linear Algebra for Science\r\n- Calculus for Science\r\n- Chemical Reaction / Kinetics Laboratory\r\n- Dynamics, Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism\r\n- Experimental Physics Seminar\r\n- Astrophysics\r\n- Stars and Stellar Evolution\r\n- Computational Physics \u2013 Introductory\r\n- Geometrical and Physical Optics\r\n- Quantum Physics \u2013 Introductory\r\n- Galaxies\r\n- Astronomical/Astrophysical Observations, Instrumentation, and Data Analysis\r\n- Thermal Physics\r\n- Mechanics", "content_markdown": "**Master\u2019s Degree in Astronomy \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nThis graduate degree program provides students with a broad understanding of the techniques used in both observational and theoretical astronomy. The curriculum emphasizes extensive research and experience in presenting it.\r\n\r\nHere is a sample of the coursework required:\r\n\r\n- Astronomical Dynamics\r\n- Cosmology / Black Holes\r\n- Neutron Stars\r\n- Galaxies\r\n- Particle Physics / High-energy Astrophysics\r\n- Planetary Astronomy\r\n- Stars / Stellar Structure\r\n- Astronomical Statistics\r\n- Observational Astronomy Techniques\r\n- Thesis \u2013 Master of Science in Astronomy\r\n\r\n**Doctoral Degree in Astronomy \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nHolders of an astronomy Ph.D. often have careers as university professors and/or researchers in the field. The focus of a doctoral degree program in astronomy is conducting research to complete and defend an original dissertation. Students\u2019 coursework, therefore, depends on the research topic that they choose.\r\n\r\nThese are examples of possible areas of research:\r\n\r\n- Auroras\r\n- Asteroids\r\n- Big Bang theory\r\n- Comets\r\n- Mars water\r\n- Quasars\r\n- Remote sensing\r\n- Sagan effect\r\n- Supernova", "content_html": "
Master\u2019s Degree in Astronomy \u2013 Two Year Duration
\nThis graduate degree program provides students with a broad understanding of the techniques used in both observational and theoretical astronomy. The curriculum emphasizes extensive research and experience in presenting it.
\n
Here is a sample of the coursework required:
\n
\n- Astronomical Dynamics
\n- Cosmology / Black Holes
\n- Neutron Stars
\n- Galaxies
\n- Particle Physics / High-energy Astrophysics
\n- Planetary Astronomy
\n- Stars / Stellar Structure
\n- Astronomical Statistics
\n- Observational Astronomy Techniques
\n- Thesis \u2013 Master of Science in Astronomy
\n
\n
Doctoral Degree in Astronomy \u2013 Four Year Duration
\nHolders of an astronomy Ph.D. often have careers as university professors and/or researchers in the field. The focus of a doctoral degree program in astronomy is conducting research to complete and defend an original dissertation. Students\u2019 coursework, therefore, depends on the research topic that they choose.
\n
These are examples of possible areas of research:
\n
\n- Auroras
\n- Asteroids
\n- Big Bang theory
\n- Comets
\n- Mars water
\n- Quasars
\n- Remote sensing
\n- Sagan effect
\n- Supernova
\n
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.093947-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T13:02:20.366610-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 245, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Astronomy", "summary_markdown": "**[Aerospace Engineering](/degrees/aerospace-engineering-degree/)** \r\nThis field is dedicated to the design and development of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Degree programs include the study of aerodynamics, orbits, launch, flight controls, and engines.\r\n\r\n**[Engineering Physics](/degrees/engineering-physics-degree/)** \r\nStudents of this discipline focus on learning how to use physics to solve practical problems. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the bridge between physics and engineering.\r\n\r\n**[Meteorology](/degrees/meteorology-degree/) / Atmospheric Sciences** \r\nThe field of meteorology is concerned with the Earth\u2019s atmosphere. Astronomy is concerned with objects beyond the atmosphere. The connections between the two disciplines are especially clear in these definitions:\r\n\r\n- Dynamic Meteorology \u2013 the study of the motions of the atmosphere based on the Earth\u2019s rapid rotation\r\n- Physical Meteorology \u2013 the study of the optical, electrical, acoustical, and thermodynamic phenomena in the atmosphere; the physics of clouds and precipitation", "content_markdown": "**[Geology](/degrees/geology-degree/)** \r\nGeology is about the history of the Earth and the forces that act upon it. Geology coursework covers subjects like geochemistry, geophysics, and mineralogy.\r\n\r\n**[Mathematics](/degrees/mathematics-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in mathematics typically teach both the theory of *pure mathematics* and its practical application to the world, known as *applied mathematics*. In other words, math majors study more than algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics. They learn about how math concepts are used in business management, computer science, economics, finance, music, philosophy, physics, and sports science.\r\n\r\n**[Physics](/degrees/physics-degree/)** \r\nPhysics is a field that keeps changing as discoveries are made. This means that the field asks at least as many questions as it answers. Students of physics degree programs study matter and energy. They learn about the relationships between the measurable quantities in the universe, which include velocity, electric field, and kinetic energy. In simple terms, the study of physics is an attempt to figure out why objects move in the way that they do.", "content_html": "
Geology
\nGeology is about the history of the Earth and the forces that act upon it. Geology coursework covers subjects like geochemistry, geophysics, and mineralogy.
\n
Mathematics
\nDegree programs in mathematics typically teach both the theory of pure mathematics and its practical application to the world, known as applied mathematics. In other words, math majors study more than algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics. They learn about how math concepts are used in business management, computer science, economics, finance, music, philosophy, physics, and sports science.
\n
Physics
\nPhysics is a field that keeps changing as discoveries are made. This means that the field asks at least as many questions as it answers. Students of physics degree programs study matter and energy. They learn about the relationships between the measurable quantities in the universe, which include velocity, electric field, and kinetic energy. In simple terms, the study of physics is an attempt to figure out why objects move in the way that they do.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.096171-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T13:03:16.872265-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 245, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "The study of the stars and other celestial bodies leaves astronomy grads with a skill set that employers in every sector appreciate:\r\n\r\n- Math and science\r\n- Research\r\n- Data analysis\r\n- Critical thinking\r\n- Complex problem-solving\r\n- Computer software\r\n- Patience\r\n- Flexibility\r\n- Dedication to ongoing learning", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
The study of the stars and other celestial bodies leaves astronomy grads with a skill set that employers in every sector appreciate:
\n
\n- Math and science
\n- Research
\n- Data analysis
\n- Critical thinking
\n- Complex problem-solving
\n- Computer software
\n- Patience
\n- Flexibility
\n- Dedication to ongoing learning
\n
", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.098472-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:38.626793-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 245, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with an Astronomy Degree?", "summary_markdown": "**Research and Education** \r\nThe majority of [astronomers](/careers/astronomer/) work at universities and colleges. In most cases, they both teach astronomy and conduct research in the field. For this reason, a Doctorate in Astronomy is the degree that is pursued by many students.\r\n\r\n**Aerospace** \r\nIn the aerospace industry, astronomers may apply their knowledge to the manufacturing, testing, and monitoring of civil or commercial aircraft, military aircraft, missiles, rockets, spacecraft, lunar vehicles, and space stations.\r\n\r\n**Data Science and Programming** \r\nIn this sector, astronomers use their skills to develop science-related software.\r\n\r\n**Finance and Law** \r\nWith their ability to process large sets of data, astronomy graduates may be hired by financial and law firms to manage information and records.", "content_markdown": "**Government / Federal Agencies** \r\nAgencies like these often hire astronomers: NASA, National Optical Astronomy Observatories, National Radio Astronomy Observatories, U.S. Naval Observatory, Space Telescope Science Institute, Naval Research Observatory\r\n\r\n**Museums, Planetariums, Observatories, and Science Centers** \r\nAll of these institutions provide art and science public outreach and education.\r\n\r\n**Science / Technical Writing** \r\nThis is a potential career option for astronomy grads with interests in both science and communication.", "content_html": "
Government / Federal Agencies
\nAgencies like these often hire astronomers: NASA, National Optical Astronomy Observatories, National Radio Astronomy Observatories, U.S. Naval Observatory, Space Telescope Science Institute, Naval Research Observatory
\n
Museums, Planetariums, Observatories, and Science Centers
\nAll of these institutions provide art and science public outreach and education.
\n
Science / Technical Writing
\nThis is a potential career option for astronomy grads with interests in both science and communication.
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.100610-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T13:04:01.803360-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
