Physical Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Colleges award this field under 4 named programs, from Astronomy to Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 4 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Astronomy
- Focuses on the planetary, galactic, and stellar phenomena occurring in outer space. Covers celestial mechanics, cosmology, stellar physics, galactic evolution, quasars, stellar distribution and motion, interstellar medium, atomic and molecular constituents of astronomical phenomena, planetary science, solar system evolution, and specific methodologies such as optical astronomy, radioastronomy, and theoretical astronomy.
- Astrophysics
- Focuses on the theoretical and observational study of the structure, properties, and behavior of stars, star systems and clusters, stellar life cycles, and related phenomena. Covers cosmology, plasma kinetics, stellar physics, convolution and non-equilibrium radiation transfer theory, non-Euclidean geometries, mathematical modeling, galactic structure theory, and relativistic astronomy.
- Planetary Astronomy and Science
- Focuses on the scientific study of planets, small objects, and related gravitational systems. Covers the structure and composition of planetary surfaces and interiors, planetary atmospheres, satellites, orbital mechanics, asteroids and comets, solar system evolution and dynamics, planetary evolution, gravitational physics, and radiation physics.
- Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other
- Astronomy and astrophysics not listed above.
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Natural Sciences Managers
- Median pay
- $167,220
- Hiring change through 2035
- 8.2%
- Job openings a year
- 9,200
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyAtmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $103,170
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.4%
- Job openings a year
- 800
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career GrowingAstronomers
- Median pay
- $128,820
- Hiring change through 2035
- 7.8%
- Job openings a year
- 100
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career GrowingPhysicists
- Median pay
- $172,250
- Hiring change through 2035
- 7.2%
- Job openings a year
- 1,300
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyPhysics Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $100,310
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.4%
- Job openings a year
- 1,100
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.