Astronomy

As an astronomy major, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge about the nature of the universe, with thorough preparation in physics and mathematics. Like nearly all majors, there are opportunities to engage in research projects in your junior and senior years — faculty and students have played major roles in space exploration, including a heavy involvement in NASA missions such as the Mars Rovers.

Sample classes

  • From New Worlds to Black Holes
  • Planets, Exoplanets and the Origin of Life
  • Galaxies Across Cosmic Time
  • Physics of Black Holes, White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars

Outcomes

All information below is based on the 2014-2018 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive, rather they are a sampling of the data. 
"Other" includes time off, travel, volunteer experiences, and/or preparing for graduate school.
If you would like to more information, please email as_careers@cornell.edu

More than 3/4 of 2014-2018 graduates reported being Employed or Attending Graduate School, with the majority being Employed.

Where 2014-2018 Astronomy Graduates Work

Employer Job Titles
Ingenicomm, Inc Software Engineer
MRV Systems Software Engineer
 Raritan Valley Community College   Planetarium Associate/Technician 

Top Graduate Fields Pursued

  • Aeronautics & Astronautics
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Astrophysics
  • Science Journalism

Where 2014-2018 Astronomy Graduates Study

  • Boston University
  • Cornell University
  • Rice University
  • Stanford University