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Astronomy and Related Studies is a degree category that consists of the following common degrees:
- Read more about AstrophysicsAstrophysics is the application of physics to the study of astronomical objects and phenomena, with the goal of understanding and explaining how astronomical objects and phenomena occur and work. Becoming an astrophysicist requires training and skill in a combination of astronomy and physics. Undergraduate programs in astrophysics aren’t common, so students might opt to pursue a physics or astronomy degree with a strong secondary focus on the other topic. Most astrophysicists have a doctoral degree. Ph.D. programs in astrophysics require in-depth coursework in physics, astronomy, mathematics, computer science and statistics, as well as original research culminating in a dissertation. Doctoral programs generally take five years or more to complete.
- Read more about Astronomy
Astronomy degree programs teach students about celestial bodies and the energy and forces exerted by their interaction. This means that the curriculum is concerned with the study of objects in space, from the smallest neutrinos to planets, stars, solar systems, galaxies, asteroids, comets, and black holes. Students learn about when these objects were born, how they evolved, how some of them became extinct, and how they move in space. They develop skills to theorize about the origin of the cosmos and to predict future events in the universe. In addition, they study the mechanics involved in building and deploying space stations, satellites, space crafts, and transportation systems.
These are among the courses that make up an astronomy program:
- Mathematics / Calculus
- Statistics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Astrophysics
- Cosmology – the science of the origin and development of the universe
- Electromagnetism
- Structure and Evolution of Stars
- Planetary Geology
- Computer Science
- Computer Programming
Note: Astronomy is the science of measuring the positions and characteristics of celestial bodies. Astrophysics is the application of the laws of physics to understand and interpret astronomy. As the difference is merely technical, the terms astronomy and astrophysics are used interchangeably.