艾姆伯里利德爾航空學(xué)院

Astronomy is unlike most sciences. We can’t bring celestial objects such as planets, stars, and galaxies into a laboratory. Instead, we use a clever combination of astronomical observations, physics principles, computer analysis and the human mind to understand how these distant objects work.

At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, students in the Bachelor of Science in Astronomy program use a combination of physics and astronomy classroom courses, along with hands-on laboratory courses, to understand and explore the Universe. Graduates are prepared to enter a variety of industrial and basic science applications, as well as graduate programs in related fields.

As one of only a few small, private institutions with an Astronomy program, Embry-Riddle offers plenty of advantages, including faculty ties to major resources, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, and major research programs sponsored by NASA and the National Science Foundation. Students also frequently work one-on-one with faculty on research projects and activities.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 14% increase in physics and astronomy jobs between 2016 and 2026. In 2019, the median annual wage for astronomers and astrophysicists was $120,000. We are proud to report that 94% of Embry-Riddle graduates are employed in their field or are continuing their education within a year of graduation, according to our most recent Alumni Survey.

The Bachelor of Science in Astronomy is a program designed to prepare students for work in space-related and aerospace-related industries, academic and government research laboratories, graduate studies in astronomy and astrophysics, and other careers such as science education. Astronomy is the study of celestial objects such as planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies, as well as the Universe as a whole. Astronomers apply the fundamental laws of physics to celestial objects to understand the appearance and behavior of those objects. Students will explore objects ranging from the nearby (e.g., the Solar System) to the farthest reaches of the Universe and its origin (e.g., cosmology and the Big Bang).

In addition to classroom learning, students will gain hands-on experience with astronomical equipment, such as telescopes and sophisticated electronic cameras, using the Campus Observatory Complex. Students will learn how to plan, execute, and analyze astronomical observations. In their senior year, students satisfying course and GPA requirements have the option of completing a senior research thesis project in an area of interest that overlaps with the research interests of a supervising faculty member. Whether contributing to the fundamental knowledge of astronomical objects, furthering space exploration, or engaging in one of an additional variety of available careers, graduates of this program will be prepared to become leaders in space-related fields.

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Astronomy is a 120 credit hour program that can be completed in eight semesters. The list of courses below comprises the complete requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Astronomy. The list is organized as a “vertical outline” according to the year and semester in which the courses would normally be taken. While it is not a requirement that the courses be taken during the year shown, students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Therefore, it is recommended that students keep their schedule as close as possible to the one shown below. Before registering for a course, check the course descriptions to ensure that all prerequisites and/or corequisites are met. Note that prerequisites for a course are only considered met if the student obtained a grade of “C” or better in the prerequisite courses.