What can I do with a minor in astronomy?

Search for opportunities

  • Research Assistant
  • Planetarium Outreach Educator
  • Support Astronomer
  • Information System Specialist
  • Software Engineer

Search for employers hiring graduates in your minor

Employers in NY: 24
Employers in U.S.: 514

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Astrophysics
Areas
  • Research
  • Consulting
  • Writing
  • Public relations
  • Education
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
Sample occupations
  • 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
Areas
  • Teaching
  • Computer software development
  • Educational research
  • Writing and editing
  • Library and information science
Employers
  • Public school systems, K-12
  • Private schools, K-12
  • Publishing companies
  • Software developers
  • Libraries
Sample occupations
  • 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
Areas
  • Research
  • Consulting
  • Instrumentation
  • Operations and maintenance
Employers
  • Colleges and universities
  • Department of Energy
  • Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
  • Nonprofit research centers
Sample occupations
  • 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
Areas
  • Engineering (process and testing)
  • Research
  • Quality control
  • Development
  • Instrumentation
  • Consulting
Employers
  • Colleges and universities
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Department of Commerce
  • Department of Defense
  • High technology, Chemical, Aerospace, Agriculture, Energy, Fuel, Computer, Transportation Industries
  • Engineering firms
  • Manufacturing and processing firms
  • Hospitals
Sample occupations
  • 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
Areas
  • Research
  • Development
  • Consulting
  • Instrumentation
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
Sample occupations
  • 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.

General information 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.