Astronomy Degrees for Military and Veterans

Are you interested in the universe beyond our world? A major in astronomy is your ticket to the cosmos, where you’ll study galaxies, astrophysics, physics, and more. You’ll get the chance to work on—and engage in—in-depth research, hands-on experimentation, using state-of-the-art technology.

Astronomy is the scientific study of space, celestial objects, and the universe. Astronomers use the principles of physics and mathematics to study the fundamental nature of the universe and celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, planets, and stars. A Degree in Astronomy can lead to a career in a variety of fields, including:

Academia
Research
Aerospace
Astrophysics
Government
Software engineering

Is Getting An Astronomy Degree Hard?

There are a number of colleges offering degrees in Astronomy, and there are a variety of career paths to choose from. A degree in Astronomy requires a diverse set of skills. According to Astronomy.com, this degree requires the ability to "decipher complex puzzles, master reasoning and analytical skills, and develop toolkits designed specifically for problem-solving."

Is an Astronomy Degree Worth It?

The same source notes that astronomy students may also have the chance to learn computer programming through their degree program, "which often makes them highly sought-after in sectors ranging from finance to data science." This kind of degree is for those who have a passion for the stars and seek more than just a 9-to-5 gig.

GI BIll and Yellow Ribbon Program Options for Degrees in Astronomy

Below is our list of GI Bill participating schools. Remember to explore your other military financial aid and veteran student financial aid opportunities.

Military spouses who need scholarships and other financial aid can also receive help. Those looking for portable careers should ask about MyCAA options associated with an Astronomy degree program.

Associate Degree in Astronomy

An Associate Degree in Astronomy is a great introduction to this field. It offers students an introduction to physics and astronomy courses, along with hands-on laboratory courses to help them explore and understand the universe.

Jobs with an Associate Degree in Astronomy

Teacher Assistant- Work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction. Median Annual Salary: $29,000.

Research Assistant- Assist in laboratory, survey, and other research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist analysis, quality control, or data management. Median Annual Wage: $54,000.

GI Bill-Approved Schools Offering Astronomy Associate Degrees

Moorpark College- Offers an Associate in Science in Astronomy. Moorpark College is a GI Bill-approved school, offers credit for military experience, and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Scottsdale Community College- Offers an Associate in Science Emphasis in Astronomy. Scottsdale Community College has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Scottsdale Community College awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams.

Bachelor’s in Astronomy

A Bachelor’s in Astronomy builds a strong foundation of mathematics, physics, and astrophysics. This field of study will also apply the same knowledge to problems in navigation and space flight.

After earning a Bachelor’s in Astronomy, many students pursue research positions and professional employment in astronomy, astrophysics, and aerospace.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Astronomy

Meteorologist- Studies the weather and climate. Median Annual Salary: $99,000.

Atmospheric Scientist- Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data. Prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Median Annual Salary: $99,000.

Astronomer- Study the interactions of matter and energy. Astronomers may work in offices, research laboratories, and observatories. Median Annual Salary: $129,000.

GI Bill-Approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Schools Offering Astronomy Bachelor's Degrees

Ready to start your Bachelor’s in Astronomy? Check out these great programs at our partner schools:

Embry Riddle Daytona- Offers a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics. ERAU-Daytona Beach has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. ERAU-Daytona Beach proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Embry Riddle Prescott- Offers a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy. ERAU-Prescott has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. ERAU-Prescott proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of Arizona- Offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Astronomy. University of Arizona is a GI Bill® approved school, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Arizona proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Master’s in Astronomy

Students seeking their graduate degree will have the opportunity to become experts in their field. A graduate degree is ideal for those seeking to get involved in research and post-secondary education. Students may choose areas of out-of-this-world expertise such as:

super-massive black holes
stellar populations
astronomical instrumentation
theoretical cosmology
galaxy evolution

Jobs with a Master’s in Astronomy

Postsecondary Physics Teachers- Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.

Information Research Scientist- Design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology. Median Annual Salary: $127,000.

Physicist- Study the interactions of matter and energy. May work in offices, research laboratories, and observatories. Median Annual Salary: $129,000.

GI Bill-Approved Schools Offering Astronomy Master's Degrees

Ready to start your Master’s in Astronomy? Check out these great programs at our partner schools:

University of Nevada Las Vegas- Offers a Master of Science in Astronomy and a Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy. UNLV has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. UNLV is a MyCAA approved school and proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information click here.

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