Studies & Degrees in Astronomy
Astronomy Study Programs
Astronomy is the science of planets, stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole. Modern astronomy is largely applied physics: astronomers use ground-based equipment such as optical telescopes and space-based equipment such as the Hubble Space Telescope, and then analyse the data with mathematical and computational methods. Many universities teach the subject under the name astrophysics, or as a pathway within a physics degree.
A degree builds on physics and mathematics. The University of Washington, for example, describes its bachelor's degree as a foundation in physics, mathematics and advanced astronomy. Its learning goals include the computational methods and software used by professional astronomers, and experience in operating modern astronomical instruments and analysing experimental data. Programming and statistics are now core skills; the University of Sussex lists Python programming and statistical analysis among the skills of its astrophysics course.
Qualifications and levels
- Bachelor's degree. In the United States the bachelor's degree often comes in two forms. At San Diego State University the Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy is aimed at students who want to teach at school level or work in museums or planetariums, while the Bachelor of Science is designed for students who plan to do research or go on to a PhD and requires a minor in mathematics.
- Integrated master's. In the United Kingdom, students can take a four-year integrated master's degree. The Astrophysics MPhys at the University of Sussex lasts four years full time and includes a year-long research project in the final year.
- Master's degree. Some US universities offer a separate Master of Science. At San Diego State University, students complete it with thesis research or with a final exam.
- PhD. A PhD in physics, astronomy or a related field is typically required for jobs in research or academia, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the University of Washington the graduate programme emphasises the PhD, students serve one year as teaching assistants, and the dissertation is usually completed around the sixth year. New PhD holders often begin in a postdoctoral research position, typically for two to three years.
Where to study it
SpainExchange lists 89 active schools for this subject. Most are in the United States (51), followed by the United Kingdom (9), Canada (6), the Netherlands (3), Sweden (2) and Argentina (2); there is one school each in Austria, Japan, Lithuania, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
In the United States, astronomy is taught at large research universities such as the University of Washington in Seattle and San Diego State University, and the list also includes liberal arts colleges and community colleges. Admission to the major can be a separate step: at the University of Washington students first complete a set of physics and mathematics courses, and admission to the major is capacity constrained.
In the United Kingdom, the University of Sussex, in Brighton, makes a typical A-level offer of AAA for its Astrophysics MPhys. For students who prefer to study in Spanish, the subject is also a degree of its own at some Latin American universities; the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia, lists a 10-semester degree in Astronomía.
Points to compare between programmes are the amount of physics and mathematics required, access to telescopes and observatories, the chance to take part in research as an undergraduate, and whether the degree is a route to teaching or to a PhD.
Careers
Research astronomy is a small profession. Astronomers held about 2,400 jobs in the United States in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The largest employers were research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences (47%), the federal government (21%) and state colleges and universities (16%). Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Graduates who do not continue to a doctorate use the same skills elsewhere. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that holders of a bachelor's degree in astronomy may qualify to work as an assistant at an observatory or become science teachers. San Diego State University reports that its master's graduates have found roles as data scientists and analysts and as support scientists at major observatories.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PhD to become an astronomer?
For research and university posts, usually yes: a PhD in physics, astronomy or a related field is typically required, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. A bachelor's or master's degree can lead to teaching, observatory support and data analysis jobs.
How much mathematics and physics does an astronomy degree involve?
A great deal. At San Diego State University, Bachelor of Science students must complete a minor in mathematics, and the University of Washington requires a set of physics and mathematics courses before admission to the major.
What is the difference between astronomy and astrophysics?
In university teaching the two names largely overlap. Some universities award a degree in astronomy and others, such as the University of Sussex, a degree in astrophysics; both combine physics, mathematics and the study of the universe.
How long does it take to complete a PhD in astronomy?
It varies by university. At the University of Washington the dissertation is usually completed around the sixth year of the graduate programme.