Our courses and degree programs provide training in creative, disciplined, and quantitative analytical thinking, skills that are essential in a great variety of careers. Recent graduates have pursued careers in astronomy, physics, science writing, science education and outreach, teaching, computing and data science, medicine, nursing, imaging science, petroleum, the military, law, and business.
Career Preparation
Tips for success
Get to know the faculty
We can serve as references and provide letters of recommendation for internships and grad schools.
Plan to start early
If you are interested in a career in astronomy research, plan to start early with an undergraduate research project or summer internship. Most research positions require graduate-level education, and our B.S. degree prepares students to go on to graduate study.
Participate
Participate in outreach events with us. Astronomy outreach helps students build strong leadership and communication skills.
Academia + other domains
Astronomers at universities typically split their time between carrying out research projects and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to these research positions, other careers in astronomy involve teaching at the college or high school level, working at planetariums and science museums, or working in computer support positions for NASA contractors. Related careers that build on an astronomical background include scientific writing, various positions in the defense, surveillance, and environmental fields, and military work, particularly with the Air Force.
The College of Arts