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

If you are interested in developing a basic understanding of astronomy and analyzing issues from a scientific viewpoint, the astronomy minor program is for you. You 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 if you are curious and come 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 once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and 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*: 128820

Computer Programmers


  • Growth: -6%
  • Median Salary*: 100390

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


  • Growth: 2.6%
  • Median Salary*: 103170

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists


  • Growth: 0.6%
  • Median Salary*: 122570

Atmospheric and Space Scientists


  • Growth: 0.7%
  • Median Salary*: 99070

Physicists


  • Growth: 4%
  • Median Salary*: 172250

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 2.5%
  • Median Salary*: 100310

Technical Writers


  • Growth: 0.9%
  • Median Salary*: 90390

* 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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