Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


Academic Information

The Astronomy BS degree places students at the frontier of society’s quest to answer the big questions: What’s in space?  How did our Universe form?  How is life supported on Planet Earth?  Studying these fundamental questions of astronomy and planetary science requires a multidisciplinary approach and the use of advanced technologies and equipment, including telescopes (on Earth or in space), robotic missions, and sophisticated laboratory instrumentation.  Skills in math, physics, chemistry, and geology are also essential to provide us with our current understanding of the Cosmos and how we came to be within it.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy?

Many different career trajectories are available to astronomers with a baccalaureate degree. Secondary schools hire astronomy graduates as teachers in physics or earth sciences. Astronomers work in planetariums, science museums, or in science journalism to bring the results of professional astronomy to the public. Technical support positions at national observatories, laboratories, and federal agencies are also available to Astronomy BS graduates. At NAU, you’ll gain a competitive edge with proximity to world-class Lowell Observatory , the U.S. Geological Survey’s Astrogeology Science Center, the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station, NAU’s twenty-inch research-class telescope, all operating in the world’s first International Dark Sky City.  

Business or private industry jobs are also available to astronomers with skills in image processing, instrumentation, remote sensing, spectroscopy, and computational programming.  With additional study at the PhD level, students gain entry to an exciting world of research in astronomy and planetary science. Positions are available at government laboratories, universities, and colleges. NAU Astronomy graduates have been placed in positions at premier observatories, academic, and research institutions throughout the world.
 

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Science educator or public outreach coordinator
  • Telescope operator at national observatories
  • Research assistant at government laboratories
  • Scientific programmer
  • Industry researcher

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Research astronomer at government laboratories
  • Space mission science team member
  • Professor at a university or college
  • Research scientist or engineer at a large observatory

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 239
Research Optional
University Honors Program Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Student Learning Outcomes

Our BS in Astronomy program is designed to prepare students for a career in a technical field or for graduate studies in astronomy or planetary sciences. Below we describe the learning outcomes our program.
 
Physics Content
Students will have an understanding of the laws of physics in the areas of:

Astronomy Content
Students will be able to apply the laws of physics in order to understand the:Laboratory Skills
Students will:Computational Skills
Students will:Problem Solving Skills
Students will develop problem-solving capacities. In particular, a student will be able to:Communication Skills
Students will be able to:

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


Details

Major Requirements
General Electives
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science

Astronomy, Bachelor of Science


Campus Availability

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