What Colleges Offer Astronomy As a Career Choice?

In 2007, Congress passed the America COMPETES Act, setting forth a plan to double the funding for physical sciences by 2016. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the act and other factors will lead to a 16 percent increase in employment opportunities by the year 2018. To pursue a career in astronomy, an individual must have at least an undergraduate degree in the field; a graduate or doctoral degree is preferred for work in research positions. A number of schools throughout the United States offer degree plans in astronomy, giving potential astronomers a choice of where to study.
  1. Boston University

    • The astronomy department at Boston University offers students the opportunity to earn undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in the field. Students in all degree programs participate in research in astronomy and planetary science. Undergraduate students learn skills in geophysics, planetary sciences, physics and in-depth skills in astronomy. Individuals in graduate programs study astrophysics, space physics, observational techniques, radiative processes, astronomical spectroscopy, gravitational astrophysics and cosmic gas dynamics. Tuition costs vary depending on the program of study and are available from the school on request. Financial aid opportunities are available.

      Boston University

      725 Commonwealth Avenue

      Boston, MA 02215

      617-353-2625

      bu.edu

    University of California, Los Angeles

    • Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are available through the Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Students at the undergraduate level can choose from degrees in physics and astronomy or an astronomy-only concentration. The graduate program provides the opportunity for research projects, and incorporates use of the largest ground-based telescopes in the world, located in Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Course options include the nature of the universe, black holes and cosmic catastrophes, life in the universe, cosmology, astrophysics, stellar atmospheres and research group seminars. As of 2010, undergraduate tuition costs at UCLA are about $11,000 per academic year for California residents and $34,000 per academic year for out-of-state students; graduate program costs are provided on request. The school offers financial assistance for qualified students.

      University of California, Los Angeles

      Physics and Astronomy Building

      430 Portola Plaza, Box 951547

      Los Angeles, CA 90095

      310-825-4321

      ucla.edu

    Howard University

    • Located in the nation's capital, the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Howard University offers bachelor's and master's degree programs. The atmosphere at Howard University allows students to learn with peers from a variety of cultures as the student body is made up largely of African-American and minority students. Students take courses in fields that include physics, astronomy, Earth and space science, biophysics, thermodynamics, quantum physics and electromagnetic theory. In addition, students participate in laboratory experiences involving research under faculty supervision. As of 2010, full-time undergraduate tuition is about $9,000 per semester, with part-time tuition at $713 per credit hour. Graduate tuition costs average $11,000 per semester for full-time students or $1,100 per credit hour for those studying part-time. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

      Howard University

      2355 6th St. NW

      Washington, DC 20059

      202-806-6245

      howard.edu

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