Astronomy: Now What?

Astronomy…NOW WHAT?

A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field is needed for most Astronomy jobs, especially those in basic research or in independent research in industry. A typical Ph.D. program takes about five to seven years to complete. After receiving a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy, many begin their careers in a temporary postdoctoral research position, which typically lasts 2 to 3 years. However, there are other paths available to Astronomy majors who do not wish to pursue extensive graduate studies. The skills you gain in this major are transferable to careers in other fields (see “What Else Can You Do With An Astronomy Bachelors” section below). 

Previous Internship Sites as self-reported by UMass Amherst Astronomy students:

To see where other Astronomy students have completed internships, research projects, and career-related jobs, check out the Student Experiential Learning Database.  On the right, click on Departments, then check off Astronomy to filter the results to Astronomy majors.

Selection of post-graduation employment for recent UMass Amherst Astronomy alumni:

  • Student Success Coach at City Year
  • Lab Technician at Spectra Solutions
  • Curatorial Assistant at Harvard College Observatory 
  • Post-bacc Researcher at the University of Kansas
  • Math/Science teacher at various K-12 schools
  • Research Engineering Mechanical Technician at MMT Observatory 
  • Accountant at Walker Inc
  • Fulbright Fellow at Cosmic Dawn Center
  • Physics Departmental Assistant at University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Medical Assistant at Pain Specialty Group

Selection of graduate degree programs for recent UMass Amherst Astronomy alumni:

  • PhD in Astronomy at Pennsylvania State University
  • PhD in Astrophysics at University of Connecticut
  • MS in Astronomy at Vilnius University  
  • MS in Physics at UMass Dartmouth
  • MS in Computing & Data Science at Boston University
  • MS in Astrobiology at University of Edinburgh
  • MS in Aeronautical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 
  • MS in Astrophysics at University of Pittsburgh 
  • MS in Science Writing at Johns Hopkins University

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO WITH AN ASTRONOMY BACHELORS DEGREE?

  • Continue to an Advanced Degree in Astronomy: 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.
  • Entry Level Careers in the Space Sciences: Astronomy majors may go directly into positions at research centers and industry, after strong technical preparation in research, computing, and laboratory skills.  These positions may include Technician or Research Assistant in fields of astronomy, engineering, and computer science or support personnel at observatories.
  • Science Teaching and Education: Astronomy incorporates elements of all the sciences, providing an excellent basis for science education, science writing, and work at museums and planetariums. 
  • Careers in Tech: According to the American Astronomical Society, “Careers in technology -  especially in data science and software engineering - have been increasingly common outcomes for astronomy graduates. These careers are in high demand, can be very lucrative, and present unique problem solving opportunities outside of astronomy.”
  • Continue to an Advanced Degree in fields such as Medicine, Law, or Business: While they may seem disconnected from Astronomy, the quantitative and reasoning skills you develop in the Astronomy major are transferable to other areas. Many of the sciences courses you are already taking likely fulfill pre-med requirements. 

If you are considering graduate school, be sure to find research opportunities as part of your undergraduate work.

Career Planning Resources & Websites

Career Exploration Tools                            https://www.umass.edu/careers/career-journey/self-discovery 

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook                                                 www.bls.gov/ooh

Careers in Astronomy (AAS)                                                         https://aas.org/careers/career-in-astronomy

Career Profiles in Astronomy (AAS)                                                      https://aas.org/careers/career-profiles                           

Astronomy Internship/Research Resources  

UMass Office of Undergraduate Research & Studies                                        https://www.umass.edu/ours/                                           

National Science Foundation REUs                                                             https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/ 

Physics Dept. Research                https://www.physics.umass.edu/undergraduate/research/opportunities   

AAS Internships/Research                                                https://aas.org/careers/internships-summer-jobs 

Internship Advice and Opportunities                     https://www.astrobetter.com/wiki/Summer+Internships

NASA Internships and Fellowships                                                                                   https://intern.nasa.gov/

NASA/JPL Internship Programs                                                     https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/intern/apply/

Dept. of Energy Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI)     https://science.osti.gov/wdts/suli

MIT/Lincoln Lab Research/Internship      https://www.ll.mit.edu/careers/student-opportunities/summer-research-program                                             

ASIAA Summer Student Program             https://www.asiaa.sinica.edu.tw/outreach/summerstudent.php

NSF NOIRLab’s Job/Internship Board                   https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/9eb88b35-a884-4935-9c1e-0ce6bbf2a741/?q=&o=postedDateDesc

Astronomy Job Search Resources

UMass Handshake Database                                                                         https://umass.joinhandshake.com/

AAS Astronomy Jobs                                                                                                      https://aas.org/jobregister

Space Jobs in Europe                                                                                 https://www.hespace.com/vacancies

NSF NOIRLab’s Job/Internship Board                   https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/9eb88b35-a884-4935-9c1e-0ce6bbf2a741/?q=&o=postedDateDesc

 Check out the American Astronomical Society and the American Institute of Physics for more information on careers in astronomy. 

IMPORTANT TRANSFERABLE SKILLS TO INCLUDE ON YOUR RESUME 

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.

What Do Employers Look For? (NACE 2026 Job Outlook for Students)

Top 10 Skills Employers Seek on a Candidate’s Resume:

  1. Teamwork
  2. Problem-Solving
  3. Communication (verbal)
  4. Technical Skills
  5. Communication (written)
  6. Work Ethic
  7. Analytical/Quantitative Skills
  8. Initiative
  9. Leadership Potential
  10. Detail-Oriented