Astronomy

What it's all about

Astronomy is the study of the universe and all the bodies within it. It examines origins of the universe, stars, and planets as well as how they move and evolve in space. Since scientists are rarely able to physically examine many objects in space, astronomy is mostly an observational science. Math, physics, chemistry and geology contribute to astronomy and help inform our understanding of the universe. Astronomy also relies on a variety of instruments, tools and computer software for analysis and gathering data.

You might take classes such as:

• Mathematical and Computational Physics
• Intermediate Classical Mechanics
• Observational Astronomy
• Introduction to Stellar Structure and Evolution
• Introduction to Modern Cosmology

Graduates of this major go on to:

• Graduate studies in astronomy or physics
• Careers in universities
• Work with government agencies or military
• Jobs with research firms or observatories.