Astronomy: Now What?
Check out the American Astronomical Society and the American Institute of Physics for more information on careers in astronomy.
Quick Facts: Astronomers
Found on the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- 2021 Median Pay: $147,450 per year
- Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree
- Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
- On-the-job Training: None
- Number of Jobs, 2020: 19,500
- Job Outlook, 2020-30: 8% (Faster than average)
- Employment Change, 2020-30: 1,600
A PhD in physics, astronomy, or a related field is needed for most jobs, especially those in basic research or in independent research in industry. A typical PhD program takes about five to seven years to complete. After receiving a PhD in physics or astronomy, many begin their careers in a temporary postdoctoral research position, which typically lasts 2 to 3 years.
What Else Can You Do With an Astronomy of Physics Bachelor's Degree?
- Continue to an Advanced Degree: The UMass Amherst Astronomy department offers an extensive program in astrophysics to prepare students who want to become professional astronomers. This includes a thorough background in physics, and advanced courses in astronomical observations and astrophysical theory.
- Careers in the Space Sciences: Many astronomy majors go directly into positions at NASA research centers and industry, after strong technical preparation in research, computing, and laboratory skills.
- Science Teaching and Other Careers: Astronomy incorporates elements of all the sciences, providing an excellent basis for science education, science writing, and work at museums and planetariums. The skills of scientific deduction developed in astronomy even make it an interesting alternative to prepare for medical or law school.
- Technician or research assistant in fields of astronomy, engineering, and computer science
- Support personnel at observatories (for example NASA centers such as the Space Telescope Science Institute)
- Medical doctor (the science you take anyway make it fairly simple to fulfill pre-med requirements)
- Lawyer (astronomy majors understand complicated arguments from principle)
- Business (an astronomy background will make the quantitative parts of business school curriculum pretty straightforward)
What Does an Astronomer Do?
Astronomers typically do the following:
- Develop scientific theories and models to explain the properties of the natural world, such as atom formation
- Plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and discover properties of matter and energy
- Write proposals and apply for research grants
- Do complex mathematical calculations to analyze physical and astronomical data, such as finding new planets in distant solar systems
- Design scientific equipment, such as telescopes and lasers
- Develop computer software to analyze and model data
- Write scientific papers that may be published in scholarly journals
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and lectures
Astronomers study the motions, compositions, origins, and other properties of planets, stars, galaxies and other celestial bodies. They use ground-based equipment, such as radio and optical telescopes, and space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, to make observations and collect data. Some astronomers focus their research on objects in our own solar system, such as the sun or planets, while others study distant stars, galaxies, and phenomena such as neutron stars and black holes.
If you are considering graduate school, be sure to find research opportunities as part of your undergraduate work.
IMPORTANT TRANSFERABLE QUALITIES TO INCLUDE ON YOUR RESUME (WHETHER YOU’RE PURSUING A JOB IN ASTRONOMY OR NOT
Important Transferable Qualities to Include on Your Resume (Whether You're Pursuing a Job in Astronomy or Not)
Advanced mathematical skills. Astronomers perform complex calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra, and other areas of mathematics. They must be able to express their research in mathematical terms.
Analytical skills. Astronomers need to be able to carry out scientific experiments and studies. They must be precise and accurate in their analysis because errors could invalidate their research.
Critical-thinking skills. Astronomers must carefully evaluate their own work and the work of others. They must determine whether results and conclusions are based on sound science.
Interpersonal skills. Astronomers must collaborate extensively with others—in both academic and industrial research contexts. They need to be able to work well with others towards a common goal.
Problem-solving skills. Astronomers use scientific observation and analysis to solve complex scientific questions.
Speaking skills. Astronomers present their research at scientific conferences, to the public, or to company management and other employees.
Writing skills. Astronomers write reports that may be published in scientific journals. They also write proposals for research funding.
Some information taken from Occupational Outlook Handbook and Dartmouth College Department of Physics and Astronomy
What Do Employers Look For?
(Source: NACE Job Outlook 2022, Courtesy of the National Association of College and Employers | www.naceweb.org)
Top 10 Things Employers Look for on Your Resume
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical/quantitative skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Communication skills (written)
- Initiative
- Strong work ethic
- Technical skills
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Detail-oriented
- Leadership
7 Things That Give You an Advantage in the Job Market
- Internship with the organization
- Internship within the industry
- Major
- Leadership position
- General work experience
- Extracurricular activities
- High GPA (3.0 or above)