“What can I do in astronomy with a major in…”
Are you interested in pursuing a career in astronomy with a degree in math?
Graduates in math enjoy a large range of job options in a number of different
fields related to the subject of astronomy.
Academic
Non-academic
College/University: Approximately 55%
of astronomers are employed at or affiliated
with higher education institutions. Many
universities are starting to offer
undergraduate and graduate programs in
astrobiology. A Ph.D. is generally
required, and teaching is often a prominent,
if not primary, component of the job.
Positions at such places include:
- Professor
- Research scientist
National institute/lab: Public research labs
employ mathematicians for their expertise
in identifying patterns in data and
performing calculations for the
programming of various space missions.
These positions could assist in planning
and supporting robotic and manned
missions. Some examples include:
- NASA
- Space Telescope Science Institute
Data processing/analysis: With the advent
of massive observing surveys, help is
needed in developing algorithms and
pipelines for processing and doing
preliminary analysis on the data. This
work would be done in conjunction with
computer scientists. Examples include:
- Sloan Digital Sky Survey
- Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
- Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber
Spectroscopic Telescope
Private industry: Private aerospace
companies are growing in number as
NASA cooperates on space missions. You
would work in support of private space
missions to launch rockets and satellites,
develop private space telescopes, or even
plan robotic and/or manned landings.
- Space Exploration Technologies
(SpaceX)
- Lockheed Martin
- Virgin Galactic
For more information about careers in astronomy, visit the American Astronomical
Society’s website:
http://aas.org/learn/careers-astronomy