FROM STUDY TO SKILLS
All academic programs offered at the UM help students develop valuable transferable skills. Astronomy is a research field oriented towards the study of the fundamental nature of the universe, its origin and evolution, and the physical processes that take place in it. As an astronomy student you will develop a wide range of skills — from research skills specific to astrophysical investigation to technical and communication skills.
Related fields include Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, and Informatics.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Investigative Skills
Defining a research problem
Developing a research model
Establishing hypotheses
Gathering/analyzing data
Evaluating ideas
Seeing relationships among factors
Drawing meaningful conclusions
Communication Skills
Developing and writing research proposals
Reviewing astronomy literature
Summarizing research findings
Informing/explaining/instructing
Preparing technical reports
Computational / Mathematical Skills
Measuring distances/sizes/relationships
Performing calculations
Mathematical modeling
Maintaining records
Utilizing mathematical formulas
Technical Skills
Designing and using specialized equipment
Identifying and classifying materials/specimens
Observing and interpreting results
Recording and analyzing data
Establishing and controlling experimental designs
Designing and using computer simulations
Using scientific instruments
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Student organizations and campus employment offer valuable opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in your classes. Most concentrations sponsor specific student groups like an undergraduate organization or an honor society. Other options include study abroad, off-campus employment, or volunteering in the community. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way of all to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
The skills you will gain as an Astronomy concentrator will prepare you to succeed in a number of fields. In addition to preparing for a research career, Astronomy concentrators have discovered opportunities in a wide range of occupations; the list below was compiled from UM graduates and from national data. In addition, Astronomy concentrators may choose to continue their education in graduate or professional school.
Investigative Skills
Research scientist 
Optical design specialist
Particle physicist
Information specialist
Flight management analysts
Atmospheric space scientist 
Biochemist
Biophysicist
Communication Skills
Educational TV advisor
K-12/college teacher
Planetarium guide/ lecturer
Special librarian
Museum exhibit planner
Technical writer
Webpage writer
Science journalist
Sales, technical equipment
Computational / Mathematical Skills
Computer programmer
Mathematical technician
Cartographer
Website designer/administrator
Community manager
System support representative
Database analyst
Technical Skills
Telescope operator
Instrument maker
Photographer
Military officer/intelligence
Navigation equipment specialist
Special effects artist
= Green Jobs = Further Study Required
For more career information, see O*Net at http://online.onetcenter.org/
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
Mathematics 115, 116, 215, 216
Physics 140 / 141, 240 / 241, 340 / 341
Astronomy 160 or other 100 level survey class
General Requirements:
ASTRO 361, 399, 402, 404, 429, plus a 400 level elective
Mathematics 450 or 451
Physics 390, 401, 405, 453
One of MATH 404, 450, 556, or Physics 451
Department of Astronomy
830 Dennison
734-764-3440
www.astro.lsa.umich.edu
Newnan Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall
734-764-033
www.lsa.umich.edu/advising
NEXT STEPS / RESOURCES
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account:
www.careercenter.umich.edu/article/getting-started-linkedin
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/maize
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at:
https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
The Career Center
3200 Student Activities Building
734-764-7460
www.careercenter.umich.edu
www.facebook.com/careercenter.umich
http://twitter.com/careercenter
The Career Guide series was developed by the University of Michigan Career Center, Division of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. ©2011 Regents of the University of Michigan