undergraduate
Astronomy and astrophysics
Best schools with astronomy and astrophysics
What is an astronomy and astrophysics major?
Studying the science of astronomy and astrophysics involves the structure, behavior, and properties of planetary, galactic, and stellar phenomena occurring in outer space. This includes instruction in cosmology, plasma kinetics, stellar physics, convolution, and non-equilibrium radiation transfer theory. Coursework will cover topics such as cosmology, plasma kinetics, stellar physics, convolution, and non-equilibrium radiation transfer theory, celestial mechanics, interstellar medium, atomic and molecular constituents of astronomical phenomena, planetary science, solar system evolution, and specific methodologies such as optical astronomy, radioastronomy, and theoretical astronomy.
of students said a highlight of this major was the fascinating subject.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said complex concepts were a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do astronomy and astrophysics majors make?
median average salary
$85,500/yr
The national average salary for astronomy and astrophysics graduates in the United States is $85,500 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $182,600 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $28,400 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, astronomy and astrophysics graduates typically make between $50,000 and $137,200 per year.
How popular is astronomy and astrophysics as a major?
Each year, around 740 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 15 students obtain an associate degree in astronomy and astrophysics. In 2021, 979 students received a bachelor's degree and 23 students received an associate degree. This is 13% more astronomy and astrophysics majors than there were in 2020. Astronomy and astrophysics is one of the most popular majors within physics.
Advice from astronomy and astrophysics majors
Share your experienceSpace is huge, there’s so much to learn. Stay curious and don’t give up when stuff gets hard
You will experience a lot of ups and downs; however, the payout to finally get through your required classes and to finally learn astrophysics is worth every hard time.
Learn about everything you can, in your free time. If this subject interests you, then it should be a joy, rather than a chore to learn about it.
Be excited and be ready to look to the stars.
