Astronomy

Occupational Possibilities Skills and Abilities Career Planning and Resources	Internships Job Search Professional Associations

 

Occupational Possibilities

Astronomy majors possess skills applicable to numerous work settings. While education beyond the bachelor's degree-usually the Ph.D.-is generally required for placement in professional astronomy positions, majors may be found in such diverse settings as research, education, government, and industry.

The following list, presents a sampling of such positions that astronomy majors sometimes accept. Some of the listed occupations, such as special effects artist, require additional skills, knowledge, or training. Advanced graduate study is generally expected for those positions marked with a * on the list.

Business and Industry Navigation equipment specialist Flight management analyst Special effects artist Sales, technical equipment	Communications Technical writer Educational television advisor System support representative Information specialist Newspaper science writer
Research and Technical Telescope operator Instrument maker Photographer *Research scientist Computer programmer *Optical design specialist Mathematical technician *Particle physicist *Aerospace engineer	Education and Government *Professor Planetarium guide/lecturer *Special librarian Museum exhibits planner Cartographer Military officer

 

back to top

Skills and Abilities

The study of astronomy includes the development of skills in a variety of areas. Technical and communication skills, knowledge of mathematics and physics, and optical design are all examples of fields which may be included in an astronomy major. The skills listed below are representative of those developed by astronomy majors which are transferable to various occupational fields.

Technical Designing equipment Identifying and classifying materials/specimens Observing data/things Establishing and controlling experimental designs Designing/using computer simulations Using instruments	Investigation Defining a research problem Developing a research model Establishing hypotheses Gathering/analyzing data Seeing relationships among factors Drawing meaningful conclusions
Communication Developing and writing research proposals Reviewing astronomy literature Summarizing research findings Informing/explaining/instructing Preparing technical reports	Computation and Mathematical Measuring distances/sizes/relationships Performing calculations Mathematical modeling Maintaining records Utilizing mathematical formulas

 

back to top

Career Planning and Resources

• What can I do with a major in Astronomy - from the University of Minnesota
• NASA/IPAC Intergalactic Database
• Occupational Outlook Handbook - Physicists and Astronomers
• American Institute of Physics - Education and Student Services
• Science Careers
• Physics Link - physics and astronomy online education and references
• Southwest Research Institute - independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization
• Midwest Research Institute - independent, non profit organization that supplies research for industry and encourages programs that use regional resources.

Internships

• Undergraduate research internship opportunity from NASA
• Links to intern opportunities for Astronomy majors

 

Job Search

• NASA Home Page
• Links to job postings for Astronomy majors
• The Riley Guide - extensive opportunities and job resources listed
• Physics Jobs - search vacancies
• American Institute of Physics Careers for Physicists - search employers who hire physicists by category, state, or keyword
• American Astronomical Society - careers in astronomy
• The Scientist's Employment Network - search jobs and post resume

Professional Associations

• American Astronomical Society
• The Astrophysical Journal
• American Institute of Physics
• American Meteorological Society search vacancies- entry-level to advanced
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association - US Department of Commerce
• National Weather Association: a professional nonprofit association that serves individuals interested in operational meteorology and related activities

For More Information

...about careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions contact:

University Career Center
110 Burge Union
(785) 864-3624

For information about majors and concentrations in astronomy:

Physics and Astronomy Department
1082 Malott Hall
(785) 864-4626

back to top