The universe is composed of things that exist, can be seen and cannot be seen. The stars, moon, and sun are the things that can be seen and pointed. The galaxies, nebulae, comets cannot be seen. Therefore, astronomy is the study of the origin of the universe, its components that may exist in physical forms in the earth and those that exist outside the earth atmosphere. It is a natural science and can be studied scientifically by an astronomer.
An astronomer studies these particles or elements. Thus, an astronomer is a person that studies the universe in its totality; the earth and beyond the earth. Astronomers tend to observe or theoretically generate through the creation and investigation of models to answer specifics universal questions. However, a branch of science that studies the origin of the universe with other elements or planetary bodies of planet earth is known as astronomy major.
What is an Astronomy Major?
Astronomy major, like astrophysics major, as a program, pays special attention to the phenomena of the planet, galaxies and stellar that occur in the outer space region. A major in astronomy studies the universe and how it is formed, the galaxies and other elements that exist. Usually, scientific methods are used to generate researchable topics as projects through questioning.
What is the curriculum of an astronomy major?
Generally, the curriculum is different because of the educational choices of students. Some pursue PhD in astronomy. Some find interest to pursue PhD in another academic field. Nevertheless, the curriculum is mainly composed of math and physics. However, astronomy has major strides in research as one of the core requirements. For math, calculus and algebra are very important. In physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, magnetism and optics play a vital role. As the student advances, more specialized topics such as cosmology, stars, planetary systems, etc., will be introduced.
What schools are offering astronomy majors?
Quite a good number of colleges and universities offer astronomy major programs. However, the most important thing to note is each of their locations and the variation of their tuition fees. Below are some of the schools and their locations:
- Butler University (Indianapolis)
- Cambridge University (United Kingdom)
- Columbia University (New York)
- Cornell University (United States)
- EPFL-Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Laussanne (Switzerland)
- Harvard University (United States)
- Imperial College London (United Kingdom)
- Ludwig Maximilian Universitat Munchen (Germany)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (United States)
- National University of Singapore (Singapore)
- Peking university (China)
- Princeton University (United States)
- Stanford University (United States)
- ü The University of Colorado Boulder (Colorado)
- The University of Tokyo (Japan)
- University of Chicago (United States)
- University of Pennsylvania (United States)
- University of Toronto (Toronto)
- Williams College (Amherst)
- Yale University (United States)
Is astronomy major right for me?
A lot of people ask this question and questions such as can I do astronomy major? What are the determining qualities? Don’t forget that desire and passion are the two things that should drive a determined mind. As such, an astronomy major should be fueled by these. The desire to explore the universe. The planet. The galaxies and other elements. The curiosity to study the earth and beyond with a sounding skill of reasoning. The ability to creatively solve problems. The ability to solve mathematical problems. All these make up a good astronomy major.
What is the duration of the astronomy major?
The duration of study astronomy is, to a large extent, dependent on the institution or college of one’s choosing. A period of three or four years at the undergraduate level is required to obtain a degree in astronomy. Masters would require one or two years for completion.
What are the opportunities in astronomy major?
The opportunities in astronomy major are large and wide. With an in-depth background in math, physics, and research, graduates may pursue an educational career such as banking. Investment. Business management. Law. Medicine. Computer programming. Astronomy major can work in space exploration. Science education. An aerospace firm. Science policy. Observatories and labs.
Another way is in assisting students in the area of research. Astronomy. Astrophysics. Physics. Math. And in providing the fundamentals of astronomy, astrophysics and physics to students.
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