MadSci Network: Astronomy
Query:

Re: The future with no Astronomy Major?

Date: Tue Aug 28 13:19:32 2007
Posted By: Dan Berger, Faculty Chemistry/Science, Bluffton University
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 1187989047.As
Message:

"My university does not offer an Astronomy major or minor. My current major is Physics with a minor in Chemistry. Could I reasonably follow up at another university's master's program under Astronomy? Would there be fruitful job opportunities with that combination?"


Yes, you could certainly follow up any good physics major with graduate school in astronomy. We've had students do just that with a bachelor's degree from my institution, which doesn't offer Astronomy as a major or minor either.

An undergraduate major in astronomy is likely to be a merely cosmetic variant of a standard physics major, anyhow. And chemistry is important for understanding the composition of bodies like comets or interstellar clouds. So you are on the right track.

I'm not sure (not being an astronomer myself) that there are "fruitful job opportunities" in astronomy per se. But physics majors of all sorts have gone on to successful careers, not only in science, but in math-related fields from actuary to stockbroker. I would not pursue astronomy for purely mercenary reasons; but there's no reason not to do so if you love it.

Dan Berger


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