Astronomy, Minor


Explore the universe with a flexible, interdisciplinary approach. Study the latest discoveries in Earth's solar system, our galaxy and beyond.

Program Description

The astronomy minor program is designed for students interested in developing a basic understanding of astronomy and analyzing issues from a scientific viewpoint. Students and faculty build spaceflight hardware, make observations, discover planets, explore cosmology, and develop instruments for telescopes and satellites.

With fewer prerequisites and more elective options than the astrophysics minor, this program is a great option for curious students from a variety of majors.




At a Glance: program details

Minor Map

  • Location: or
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Program Requirements

Enrollment Requirements

GPA Requirement: None

Incompatible Majors: BS in earth and space exploration (astrophysics); BS in astronomical and planetary sciences

Other Enrollment Requirements: None

Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit after the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major or the minor program. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and the minor.


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Career Outlook

Minor programs enable students to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors.

The astronomy minor supplements other degrees. The problem-solving techniques and skills that graduates have acquired are used in modern astronomy research and applicable to a wide variety of engineering and science careers.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Astronomers


  • Growth: 2.2%
  • Median Salary*: 132170

Computer Programmers


  • Growth: -6%
  • Median Salary*: 98670

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 2.6%
  • Median Salary*: 101390

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists


  • Growth: 0.6%
  • Median Salary*: 117960

Atmospheric and Space Scientists


  • Growth: 0.7%
  • Median Salary*: 97450

Physicists


  • Growth: 4%
  • Median Salary*: 166290

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 2.5%
  • Median Salary*: 97360

Technical Writers


  • Growth: 0.9%
  • Median Salary*: 91670

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Program Contact Information

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