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About this field

Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences, is the study of celestial bodies including planets, stars, galaxies and other entities in space. Astronomers utilize principles in physics to learn about the universe and create theories based on their research. Astronomy majors at Valdosta State University gain knowledge of the fundamental branches of astronomy, including solar system astronomy, astrophysics and observational astronomy. 

The Valdosta State Difference

Valdosta State is one of just a select number of universities across the nation that offers an undergraduate degree in astronomy. Valdosta State astronomy students have access to a number of educational tools and technologies, including the VSU Observatory, which features a 16” Cassegrain reflecting telescope, and the VSU Planetarium, a 47-seat planetarium equipped with a Digitarium Kappa digital projector, the first of its kind in the world. Valdosta State was a founding member of the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy, a consortium of nine colleges that operates telescopes near Tucson, Arizona and La Serena, Chile. Two student organizations geared toward astronomy majors, the Valdosta State Astronomical Society and the Society of Physics Students, host guest lecturers and organize educational field trips.

What You'll Learn

Students can obtain a minor in astronomy by successfully completing a minimum of 20 hours of selected courses. The minor is a good choice for students who are passionate about astronomy but are focusing on a different course of study and for students in related fields such as physics and environmental geosciences.

Careers

• Aerospace Professional
• Data Analyst
• Lab Technician
• Observatory Scheduler
• Planetarium Director
• Research Assistant

• Science Museum Professional
• Science Writer
• Secondary Science Teacher
• Technical Writer
• Telescope Operator