Astronomy Degree

The astronomy degree program at University of Colorado at Boulder offers students interested in space life a chance to study planetary, galactic, and stellar phenomena that occurs in space. Students who graduate the astronomy degree program may pursue careers as astronomers, astrophysicists, planetary and space science professors, and more. Students in the astronomy degree program will gain knowledge in courses such as celestial mechanics, stellar physics, galactic evolution, quasars, interstellar medium, planetary science, solar system evolution, as well as optical astronomy, radio astronomy, and theoretical astronomy. Get more details below including other Colorado colleges that offer astronomy degrees.

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University of Colorado at Boulder

10851 W 120th Ave, Broomfield, CO

The University of Colorado Boulder (UC Boulder or Boulder) is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado.  UC Boulder is cited as the flagship of the UC schools and was founded in 1876 by the territorial legislature a few short months prior to the state of Colorado was formally recognized as a state in the Union. 

Boulder offers students the choice of over 150 degree programs across the myriad departments from engineering to education with around seventeen thousand enrolled students.  The school is known for their aeronautics programs with significant resources dedicated to this industry.  In fact, the university recently received over $450 million in research funds dedicated to projects like the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) and the Lab for Atmospheric & Space Physics (LASP).

History of UC Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder was founded in 1876 along with Colorado Agricultural College and Colorado School of Mines.  Prior to joining the Union, the Colorado territorial legislature passed a constitutional amendment providing funding for all three higher education institutions.  The doors of UC Boulder opened to students in September of 1877.  During the late 1800’s, there were few high schools in the region that were adequately preparing students for college.   Thus UCB added a preparatory school on campus to help young, aspiring students attend the university.  During this formative year in 1877, the college began with fifteen students and fifty high school students in the preparatory academy. 

Academics

The academic calendar for the University of Colorado Boulder follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters akin to the other UC schools in the state.  The largest and most popular program is the College of Arts and Sciences with the Engineering and Environmental Design a distant second and third from an enrollment standpoint. 

Popular Colleges and Schools at UC Boulder

• College of Arts & Sciences
• College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• College of Environmental Design
• College of Education
• College of Music
• School of Law
• Leeds School of Business
• College of Media, Communication and Information
• Graduate School
• Continuing Education and Professional Studies

Student Life

Myriad student organizations and clubs are available at the University of Colorado Boulder for graduate students and undergraduates.  A cross-section of organizations includes service groups, professional groups, political organizations, honor societies, religious groups, social clubs, and many more.  The CU Independent is the student-lead campus with over sixty writers, photographers, illustrators, multimedia specialists, and editors.  Students may also be interested in joining an intermural team in a variety of sports from basketball to tennis.   

UCB School Colors & Mascot

The University of Colorado school colors are black and gold.  The school mascot is a live American Bison named "Ralphie."  A costumed bison named CHIP participates in dance competitions, social events, sports venues, and other athletic programs.

UCB Athletics

The University of Colorado "Buffaloes" compete in the Pacific 12 (Pac-12) Conference with a large number of sanctioned, intercollegiate sports.  These include the following sporting activities:

Men's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Golf
• Skiing
• Soccer 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Golf
• Skiing
• Soccer

Community Life

Students living in Boulder can enjoy competing in the Boulder Freeride (ski and snowboarding club), CU Cycling, and SAE racing teams.  The town of Boulder is situated about 25 miles NW of Denver and is about 5,400 feet above sea level.  Boulder proper is just over 100,000 residents with a variety of activities to enjoy.  Popular activities include hiking, biking, local breweries, wineries, and restaurants along the famous Pearl Street Mall. 

Students Enrolled in the Astronomy Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. University of Colorado at Boulder offers a bachelor's degree program in astronomy.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, natural sciences managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 3.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
  • Total Employment: 670
  • Average Hourly Rate: $68.74
  • Average Annual Salary: $142980

Astronomers

Description

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, astronomers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.8% from 2014 to 2024

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

Description

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).