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Major Related Resources Department of Resources Career Resource | Description of MajorAstronomy is the study of the universe. Within our solar system, astronomers study meteorite material entering the earth's atmosphere as well as the demise of the dinosaurs, the geology of the moon and planets, the origin of life, the extraordinarily complex nearby star (our Sun), and the dynamics of the solar system. In the galaxy, they question Earth's place in the Milky Way-how big, how old, how did the galaxy form? The questions of structure, size and age are a common theme as they study atoms, planets, stars, galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and the entire universe. Astronomers use computers significantly and a variety of instruments to "see" the universe-from wave length radio telescopes to very high energy gamma rays. They also use detectors buried in deep mines, telescopes on high mountain peaks and in local state forests, satellites and telescopes circling the earth, and even satellites that leave the solar system.Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of StudyAnalytical thinking, logic and intuition, math and physics, ability to read and write clearly.Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this MajorIU astronomy majors typically take enough mathematics and physics to be math and physics majors. A solid foundation in computer science is also very important.Career OptionsCareers Specific to the Bachelor's DegreeJobs are available in national laboratories, research institutes, and observatories (about ten percent of all astronomers work in business or private industry, primarily in the aerospace. Most positions for people with an undergraduate degree are in technical support in research.Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's DegreeAstronomers work in planetariums, science museums, and other public institutions. Some jobs are available in secondary school teaching and in science writing.Careers that Normally Require a Graduate DegreeMost astronomy positions-primarily in research and teaching at universities, research institutes, and national laboratories-require a Ph.D. degree.Employment OpportunitiesJob OutlookThe astronomy field is very competitive and has low turnover. There are only about 6,000 professional astronomers in North America. In recent years, there have been approximately 150 job openings in North America, while the number of Ph.D.'s conferred annually in recent years has averaged about 125. It is common for astronomers to spend from three to six years in postdoctoral positions before finding a steady position in a university, national facility, or government lab.Salary InformationStatistics for astronomy graduates in the last few years show an average starting salary of approximately $27,000 in a range of nearly $20,000-$36,000.Potential Career GrowthMost professional astronomers (about 55 percent) are either faculty members at universities and colleges or affiliated with same through observatories and laboratories. Median salaries at educational institutions depend upon size, quality, and competitiveness of the school, but generally are up to $60,000 or more for experienced full professors. Many faculty augment their salaries with summer work at their universities or with summer research.Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this MajorNinety percent of Ph.D. graduates have obtained jobs in directly related fields.High School PreparationBecause astronomy is the application of physical principles to the study of all that we can observe, a solid foundation in physics and mathematics is required. Our undergraduates typically take enough physics and mathematics to easily be a physics or math major!Special OpportunitiesThe astronomy department encourages undergraduate involvement in departmental activities. These vary from hosting open house evenings at Kirkwood Observatory on campus to reducing images obtained with the Hubble Telescope, from working on data obtained with our new 3.5 meter telescope at Kitt Peak in Arizona to working with our local 1.25 and 0.4 meter robotic telescopes. The observational and computational facilities available to our students are at the forefront of the discipline. Their use is limited only by the skills, dedication, and inventiveness of the student. A special opportunity for advanced majors is the honors research class. Senior students take this class with the permission of a faculty member who will oversee their research. At the end of the semester they are required to give a short colloquium on the work they have performed. Examples of research areas are dome automation, simulations of rotating prostellar disks, the pre-CV NN serpentus, and the dynamical model for globular clusters with anisotropic velocity distributions. There are several institutions that employ senior, junior, and sometimes sophomore students during the summer. These programs include stipends, and in some cases they also cover travel and living expenses. Notices listing the institutions and other information are sent out to students in December. We also post announcements, and we can supply applications for most of the programs.Noted AlumniNot Available | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
