I’ve never used this website before, I normally go to Reddit so excuse me if any format is wrong.
I want to be an astronomer but I’m going to community for two years and then will be transferring, what classes do I need to take in my two years in order to pursue this career?
Where are you transferring? Or hoping to transfer?
I’m sure they have a transfer page and advisor and between them, and advising at your current school, you can develop a game plan of what is needed so that you can apply to transfer at the appropriate time.
Good luck.
I’m not quite sure yet, I just graduated high school and the only thing I know so far is that Im definitely going to CC and then transferring. I would love to be an astronomer.
Since you’re here, I have another question: I’m really bad at math and I’m well aware that anything regarding astronomy involves math and a lot of it, do you think it would still be possible for me to go into this career if I’m willing to put the work in to be good at math and learn to like it?
Realistically, literally any career that I would like to be in involves math, there’s no way around it honestly.
I know this is long, sorry!
Never say never.
If you put in the time and don’t worry about a grade - but worry about learning because math grows - then why not you?
It may not be easy. You may need to repeat what you’ve taken in the past - but state your goals to a counselor at the 2 year school and let them help you build the proper schedule.
Best of luck in pursuing your goals.
Thank you so much! :))
Start the math sequence for physics majors as soon as you can. Start the science pre-requisites for physics majors as soon as you can. Meet with the transfer advisor ASAP to explain your plan-- and make sure you don’t end up in the wrong section of any of your classes. There is math for people who want to teach HS math, and math for people who want to become nurses, and math for people who want to be astronomers. You need to let the advisor help you sign up for the right classes.
You need to go to EVERY SINGLE REVIEW SESSION even if you feel you are understanding the material. There is always a nuance which may or may not be covered in class; there is usually a reliable shortcut to solving a problem; there is often a quick way to check your work. You won’t learn these things if you show up in class and do your homework. You should take advantage of every review session, study session, practice meeting you can find.
Good luck!
Math and physics courses for physics majors.
General requirements that your transfer target colleges want to see (e.g. English composition, other general education).
Introductory astronomy course, if available.
Have you heard of some of the NASA programs for students? Some are online, such as one just for community college students.
“Students participating in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) activity can expect to advance their capabilities in STEM, helping to prepare them for better representation and service in STEM fields. NCAS has three missions designed to challenge and build student knowledge and skills by focusing on NASA’s mission goals, collaboration, and career pathways.”
Good luck!
Thank you so much! I feel like my career dreams aren’t realistic since I was never the best at math but every career I’m interested in involves some kind of advanced math, you know? (I also learned that certain teachers can affect how you learn and feel about subjects) Unless I want a degree and a career I’m not gonna be happy about lol. Thank you for letting me know the pre reqs and classes I should take!! I’m gonna do some research and purchase some books to study basic and advanced math during this summer so I’m at least a little prepared. God, this was long my bad lol
This seems interesting I’ll check it out, thank you!! :))
take a look at the website for your state flagship Uni and see what types of courses they want to see for transfers into the Astronomy major.
You’ll want to take classes at yoru community college that are specifically marked as ‘transferable to Flaghsip’ (if your college offers such labels); not only Major requirements, but also the Gen Ed requirements such as English or History. Even if you don’t’ transfer to Flagship, other transfer Unis will likely have similar requirements.