Online Astronomy Degrees
Astronomy is a captivating field that explores the mysteries of the universe, yet fully online astronomy degree programs remain rare in the U.S.
With limited availability, most online offerings in this field are either partially online or blended with related disciplines like space studies or planetary sciences.
While a handful of institutions provide online undergraduate and graduate options, such as Arizona State University and Swinburne University, pursuing a full online degree in astronomy is still a unique path. For students passionate about the cosmos, these programs offer a flexible and accessible way to explore the stars from afar.
In the category of partially online programs, astronomy is the 292nd most pursued major among undergraduate degrees.
The availability of partially online undergraduate astronomy offerings is limited, ranking as the 240th most common in the country. About 17.47% of all bachelor's degrees in astronomy incorporate some online coursework. The University of Hawaii at Hilo had the highest rate of partial online degree students, with 0.38% of the last undergraduate class majoring in astronomy partially online. For graduate studies, astronomy rank as the 283rd most popular partially online degree program.
Colleges that Offer Online Astronomy Degrees
Arizona State University (ASU)
ASU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Astronomical and Planetary Sciences. This program fuels your passion for the stars, teaching you the science behind astronomy and planetary discovery. Pursue a career that's out of this world - literally! With a degree in earth and space sciences, you can teach, work at a planetarium, write about science, or explore many other careers that allow you to share your passion for the earth and universe.
American Military University (AMU)
AMU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Space Studies. The degree might not be labeled "astronomy," but the program still hits all the high points. Think space exploration, military satellites, and staying one step ahead of crazy space storms. Students are trained to hit the ground running in the space industry, equipped with the practical skills and theoretical know-how to make a real impact from day one.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)
ERAU offers a Bachelor's Degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics. While it's not explicitly stated if this is fully online, ERAU is mentioned in the context of online degrees. By mastering math and physics, students gain a powerful toolkit for tackling the challenges of a rapidly advancing scientific landscape.
Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne offers a fully online astronomy degree program at the postgraduate level. Ambitious astronomers can gear up with a Graduate Certificate, supercharge their skills with a Graduate Diploma, or land a prestigious Master's degree in the field.
University of North Dakota
While not a full degree, the University of North Dakota offers an online Introductory Astronomy course. If you're eager to get a feel for the field or simply need to check off those gen-ed boxes, this could be the perfect fit.
It's worth noting that full online undergraduate degrees in astronomy are relatively rare. Programs that merge astronomy with related disciplines, such as planetary sciences, are gaining traction - ASU's initiative being a prime example. Aspiring grad students, take note: online programs like the one at Swinburne University are increasingly popping up, providing a fresh path forward.
If a full degree program feels like overkill, online astronomy courses on platforms like Coursera are a fantastic alternative - they pack a punch without the multi-year commitment.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
Astronomy is a specialized field, and it is not a popular major among college students. Each year, around 6,000 four-year degrees are awarded across various focused fields. Recently, only 435 bachelor's degrees in astronomy were given out, ranking it as the 292nd most selected major. The University of Colorado Boulder stands out, granting 62 of these degrees, the highest in the nation. Colorado schools collectively lead in astronomy degrees, highlighting their prominence in this field.
In the United States, 73 colleges provide undergraduate astronomy degrees, making this major 62% less common compared to typical college offers. As such, it ranks as the 219th most frequently available major nationwide.
GRADUATE DEGREES
In recent data, 64% of astronomy degrees were at the bachelor level while 36% were at the graduate level. This positions astronomy as the 239th most sought-after advanced degree in the country, with 249 graduate degrees awarded. Astronomy is significantly less popular for master's and doctoral studies, being 91% lower in pursuit than the average discipline. Last spring, a total of 684 students achieved either a bachelor's or a higher degree in astronomy.
IN-PERSON ASTRONOMY DEGREES
In the past academic year, 358 students earned their undergraduate degrees in astronomy through traditional in-person courses, making this the 87th most widely offered major in a fully in-person format. A significant 82.3% of all astronomy degrees are completed entirely in person. Bennington College also had a notable 1.29% of its undergraduate class concentrating in astronomy in a completely in-person format. For graduate students, 235 advanced degrees were awarded in person last year, indicating that 94.38% of graduate astronomy degrees are obtained through on-campus programs.