by our College Data Analytics TeamStudents fascinated with space and good with math may excel when majoring in Astronomy and Astrophysics. A degree in this field of study will allow you to learn everything about outer space from galaxies and stars to black holes and planets. You will take classes in calculus, computer science, astrophysics, cosmology, physics, planetary geology, astronomy, and more to gain an understanding of the area beyond our planet.
Possible concentrations within this major include, Astronomy, Astrophysics or Planetary Astronomy and Science.
A degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics explores Astronomy And Astrophysics. Continue reading for the essential details every astronomy & astrophysics major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering astronomy & astrophysics programs.
In the U.S., astronomy & astrophysics is a widely-pursued major, with 1,580 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Astronomy & Astrophysics Schools ranking analyzes these 129 schools to determine the best overall colleges for astronomy & astrophysics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of astronomy & astrophysics programs later in this article.
Programs in Astronomy & Astrophysics emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations astronomy & astrophysics graduates commonly enter.
Students interested in pursuing and Astronomy or Astrophysics degree should have a strong background in mathematics. Professionals are often required to complete and explain complex calculations. Critical thinking and analytical skills will allow students to understand these calculations and apply them to the project they are working on. Since professionals often work with others, strong communication and teamwork skills are necessary.
Professionals in the Astronomy and Astrophysics field work full time in offices or observatories. Students should be prepared to work long hours, especially at night, in order to observe stars and other celestial bodies.
Although a master's degree will allow graduates to work in this field, most employers require a Ph.D. These programs typically take 5-7 years to complete and allow students to work in a variety of locations completing fieldwork or research. Internships or summer programs will allow students to gain experience in this field as they work towards an advanced degree.
The skill set emphasized by a astronomy & astrophysics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a astronomy & astrophysics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several astronomy & astrophysics degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 26 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,096 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 234 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 224 |
People currently working in careers related to astronomy & astrophysics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 25.7% |
| Master’s degree | 24.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 21.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 12.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.7% |
| Some college courses | 3.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.1% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.4% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in astronomy & astrophysics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Graduates with advanced degrees in Astronomy and Astrophysics often go into research and development. While graduates may pursue careers at private companies, the top government employers for astronomers and astrophysicists are NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense. This field is growing at an average pace. Jobs are available, but there is a lot of competition for top paying positions. Graduates with advanced degrees may have to hold multiple postdoctoral internships before pursuing a fulltime position.
A degree in astronomy & astrophysics can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to astronomy & astrophysics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to astronomy & astrophysics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 615,002 | 10.3% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | 415,392 | 14.3% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Astronomers | 130,193 | 8.3% |
| Physicists | 118,738 | 8.5% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of astronomy & astrophysics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $41,600 |
| 4 years | $50,573 |
| 5 years | $61,687 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for astronomy & astrophysics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers astronomy & astrophysics grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Physicists | $111,776 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Astronomers | $106,445 |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,685 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,801 |
With 129 different astronomy & astrophysics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased astronomy & astrophysics school rankings to help you.
Students interested in astronomy & astrophysics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Astronomy | 876 |
| Astrophysics | 485 |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other | 129 |
| Planetary Astronomy and Science | 90 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 19,434 |
| Physics | 12,910 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | 7,622 |
| Physical Sciences, General | 2,661 |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology | 1,341 |
| Materials Sciences | 650 |
| Physical Sciences, Other | 422 |
| Physics and Astronomy | 39 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
