Should I major in astronomy?

ucbalumnus
Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:41:58 +0000

The usual recommendation is to major in physics, optionally with a second major or minor in astronomy if available. Physics is math-intensive. Note that actual physics and astronomy jobs typically mean having to get a PhD first, though physics majors are often considered for jobs which are willing to take “smart people who can do math” (e.g. computers, finance, some types of engineering), though they would be second choice compared to those with more directly applicable majors.

Completion of precalculus in high school, so that you are ready for calculus as a college freshman, is the minimum math recommended for a physics or astronomy major; taking calculus in high school is even better. Typical required or recommended math courses in college will be calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, complex analysis.