Absolutely! The Astronomy major is a rigorous program that allows students to practice the technical, scientific and computational skills required for graduate-level astronomical science or astrophysics research. Astronomy majors regularly pursue research opportunities with faculty and create accomplished resumes with presentations, publications and community outreach experiences.

Not likely! Astronomy is a very flexible major. You can choose between tracks with or without a mathematical focus, so it’s tailored to your comfort level. And your lower-level classes will set you up for success with the knowledge and skills you’ll be building on in advanced courses. You can also combine Astronomy with other majors or minors to focus on the areas that interest you most, like astrophotography, science writing, celestial navigation or astronomical computing.

Yes! The Astronomy major emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, crucial skills for any path you choose after graduation. You’ll also have ample opportunities to hone your communication skills through writing, public speaking, and even teaching as a teaching assistant or teaching fellow on campus or as a planetarium guide for the community.

Not at all, but you do have to be eager and willing to learn and use programming for your studies. Programming is an important part of several Astronomy courses—and it’s an excellent tool for building your problem-solving and analytical skills. So it’s important to have the right resources to support you, such as computer labs, peer groups and clubs, and accessible and helpful instructors.