Does a person who majors in astronomy have a lot of career options?

Hi Matthew

This is not my field of expertise but I do know that most Astronomers usually are employed by colleges, universities or government research organizations.

You do have a few that work at Private companies. Some even work in the Public sector - science museums or planetariums providing knowledge to the general public.

I hope this helps!

Hi Matthew,

Astronomy can be a fun science major, and there are a wide range of careers that you can consider afterwards. It's true that many people who go on to get a PhD in astronomy tend to work in science careers (as an academic, research scientists, for private companies & the government).

However, many students who study Astronomy as an undergraduate go into a range of careers - what you learn are a set of quantitative analysis skills that many businesses value. Some of my friends who majored in Astronomy as an undergraduate now:
Are photographers
Are Actors
Are Educators (in museums, public & private K-12 schools)
Work in a university administration
Work for the EPA
Work on Wall street
Work for consulting companies
Have started their own business
Are still (or back) in graduate school!!
Work in planetariums or observatories
Work in science careers (NASA, Universities, National Laboratories, etc.)

Hope this helps!
Carie

Hi Matthew,

Astronomers can go on to do a number of things. In addition to what Mia mentioned, you can work for independent research organizations. This can be overseas or in the US - for example, I worked in Armenian at the Yerevan Physics Institute. If you love the stars, chase your dreams, as long as you excel, you will land on your feet somewhere great!