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 liberal 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 | 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:
This major requires 77 - 87 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 liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.