Astronomy is a versatile degree that can lead to jobs and careers in many different areas. Visit the department website, watch the videos below, or scroll down and select an option under Related Career Fields to see more information about potential careers you can pursue.
Astronomy Minor
Related Career Fields
Select a career field below to see some of the various areas it encompasses, types of employers, and some sample occupations.
Astrophysics
Career Areas
- Research
- Consulting
- Writing
- Public relations
- Education
Types of Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Department of Defense
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Naval Observatory
- Naval Research Laboratory
- Aerospace
- Scientific supply
- Computer software
- Remote sensing
- Communications
- Observatories
- Planetariums
- Science museums
- Nonprofit foundations
General Information
- Obtain experience through part-time or volunteer positions in a planetarium, observatory, or science museum.
- Cultivate broad knowledge of astronomy and speaking skills for jobs working with the public.
- Develop strong writing skills for preparing scientific reports.
- Seek undergraduate research opportunities with professors in the field.
- Develop a specialty area of expertise such as remote sensing, instrumentation, computer applications, etc.
- Obtain a Ph.D. for teaching and advanced research positions.
Science Education
Career Areas
- Teaching
- Computer software development
- Educational research
- Writing and editing
- Library and information science
Types of Employers
- Public school systems, K-12
- Private schools, K-12
- Publishing companies
- Software developers
- Libraries
General Information
- Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written, for interacting with students, colleagues, and parents.
- Gain experience working with age group of interest through volunteering and tutoring.
- Become skilled in the use of computers and laboratory equipment.
- Acquire appropriate certification for K-12 teaching opportunities.
- Due to a shortage of physical science teachers, there are alternative certification programs across the country for those with science and mathematics backgrounds.
- Seek advanced degree required for specialists, education administration, college teaching, and other professional positions.
Particle/High Energy Physics
Career Areas
- Research
- Consulting
- Instrumentation
- Operations and maintenance
Types of Employers
- Colleges and universities
- Department of Energy
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
- Nonprofit research centers
General Information
- Plan to study the most fundamental aspects of the universe if pursuing this physics specialty.
- Acquire a strong mathematics and computer science background.
- Scientific computing and data analysis skills are essential.
- Choose a theoretical or experimental track and seek research experience through work at national labs or with faculty.
- Pursue Ph.D. for advanced positions in academia and research.
Engineering Physics
Career Areas
- Engineering (process and testing)
- Research
- Quality control
- Development
- Instrumentation
- Consulting
Types of Employers
- Colleges and universities
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Defense
- High technology Industries:
- Chemical
- Aerospace
- Agriculture
- Energy and Fuel
- Computer
- Transportation
- Engineering firms
- Manufacturing and processing firms
- Hospitals
General Information
- Choose a major in engineering physics or supplement major with engineering minor.
- Seek internship or co-op experience in interest area.
- Develop strong oral and written communication skills for working on interdisciplinary teams.
- Complete applicable licensure through professional organizations which is regulated by state in the engineering profession.
- Pursue advanced degree in engineering, engineering physics, or physics for increased opportunities.
Nuclear Physics
Career Areas
- Research
- Development
- Consulting
- Instrumentation
Types of Employers
- Colleges and universities
- National Aeronautical and Space Administration
- Department of Energy
- Department of Defense
- Security/weapons:
- Nuclear accelerators, Nuclear reactors, Nuclear instrumentation
- Radioisotope products
- Healthcare
- Environmental protection
- Food irradiation Industries
General Information
- Acquire a strong background of physics, mathematics, and computer science knowledge.
- Develop competence in experimental design, data collection, and data analysis.
- Choose a theoretical or experimental track and seek internship experience in industry, government, or academic settings alongside scientists and faculty.
- Pursue master’s degree or Ph.D. for advanced positions in industry
Join Organizations
Being active in both student and professional organizations can help boost your career. You'll have the opportunity to network with and learn from peers, mentors, and professionals. Working within these groups helps build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. You'll gain hands-on experience, showing employers your proactive attitude and commitment to growth, making you a stronger job candidate.
Student Organizations
Check out the organizations listed below, search Laker Life, or talk with a Career Coach to find others.
Search for Employers
General Guidelines and Strategies
- Visit government laboratories or research centers to learn more about opportunities in the field.
- Obtain experience through part-time or volunteer positions in a planetarium, observatory, or science museum.
- Cultivate broad knowledge of astronomy and speaking skills for jobs working with the public.
- Join relevant professional associations. Attend meetings and stay up-to-date on research/publications.
- Acquire oral, written, and interpersonal skills for sharing findings and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Gain experience using appropriate scientific instruments and equipment.
- Participate in summer research institutes.
- Submit research to local poster competitions or research symposiums.
- A bachelor’s degree will qualify candidates for positions as research assistants, high-level technicians, or computer specialists, as well as nontechnical work in publishing or sales.
- An undergraduate degree also provides a solid background for pursuing advanced degrees in other employment areas such as law, business, or accounting.
- A graduate degree and post-graduate experience will allow for more responsibility and advancement in the field.
- A doctorate is required for college or university teaching, advanced research, and administrative positions.
- Develop a specialty area of expertise such as remote sensing, instrumentation, computer applications, etc.
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