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.
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.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
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 | Not Available |
Purpose Statement
NAU's Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy (ASTBS) offers students a diverse mix of core astronomy and planetary science courses to prepare them for future professional endeavors within the field. Using the National Academy's decadal surveys in astronomy, planetary science, and astrobiology as guideposts, the degree plan provides students with valuable skills in fields that include observational astronomy, data analysis, computational modeling, instrumentation, remote sensing, and astrobiology. With these skills, graduates are competitive in the world's leading astronomy careers and graduate programs.
In addition to the coursework specific to astronomy and planetary science, the ASTBS curriculum also offers rigorous coursework in physics, math, and computational skills, providing students with a strong foundation in scientific principles, data collection, and analytical techniques. The program's emphasis on developing practical skills, including proficiency in programming languages and experience with astronomical instrumentation, ensures that graduates are well-equipped to succeed in any position or program they enter following graduation.
Following graduation, our students often pursue graduate programs in the natural sciences. Careers for those who immediately enter the workforce include telescope operators, data scientists, instrument developers, dynamical modelers, and laboratory investigators, among countless other positions that value quantitative thinkers with multidisciplinary experience.
Student Learning Outcomes
This major requires 75 - 78 units
Take the following 75 - 78 units:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.