by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Planetary Astronomy & Science involves the study of Planetary Astronomy And Science. A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of Planets, Small Objects, And Related Gravitational Systems. Includes Instruction In The Structure And Composition Of Planetary Surfaces And Interiors, Planetary Atmospheres, Satellites, Orbital Mechanics, Asteroids And Comets, Solar System Evolution And Dynamics, Planetary Evolution, Gravitational Physics, And Radiation Physics. Read on to learn the essential details every planetary astronomy & science student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering planetary astronomy & science programs.
Nationwide, planetary astronomy & science is a widely-pursued major, with 90 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Planetary Astronomy & Science Schools ranking analyzes these 12 schools to determine the best overall colleges for planetary astronomy & science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of planetary astronomy & science programs later in this article.
Programs in Planetary Astronomy & Science build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations planetary astronomy & science graduates commonly enter.
The skill set emphasized by a planetary astronomy & science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a planetary astronomy & science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several planetary astronomy & science 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 38 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 29 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 23 |
People currently working in careers related to planetary astronomy & science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 27.8% |
| Master’s degree | 25.3% |
| Doctoral degree | 19.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 11.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.0% |
| Some college courses | 3.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.3% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.3% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in planetary astronomy & science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in planetary astronomy & science can lead to a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to planetary astronomy & science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to planetary astronomy & science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 615,002 | 10.3% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Astronomers | 130,193 | 8.3% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of planetary astronomy & science 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 planetary astronomy & science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers planetary astronomy & science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Astronomers | $106,445 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,801 |
With 12 different planetary astronomy & science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased planetary astronomy & science school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in planetary astronomy & science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Astronomy | 876 |
| Astrophysics | 485 |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other | 129 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
