Astronomy

The great philosopher Plato said, "Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another." From the beginning of time, man has looked at the celestial bodies above with wonder and amazement and used astronomy, one of the world's oldest natural sciences, to mark the seasons, explain the unknown, and keep track of time. Most importantly, astronomy helped man to learn about the world beyond his horizon. Astronomy majors study the origins and evolution of the universe's celestial objects, such as stars, planets, galaxies, supernovas, and black holes. The foundation for a career in astronomy begins at the secondary level. High school students need to have a solid foundation in math up to the pre-calculus level, physics, and chemistry before they enter college. In addition, membership in high school science groups, state junior academies of science, and local amateur astronomy clubs is strongly recommended. Most astronomy careers require a doctorate degree. Undergraduate students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree need to have a fairly strong background in physics and mathematics. Typical astronomy courses include electricity and magnetism, geology, chemistry, thermodynamics, quantum theory, and atomic and nuclear physics. Students also work to develop strong writing and communication skills and good computer science skills. Students pursuing a doctoral degree specialize in specific areas, such as planetary astronomy, stellar astronomy, solar astronomy, galactic astronomy, cosmology, and extragalactic astronomy. Upon graduation, these students enter a post-doctoral research position where they work for two to three years under the supervision of a more experienced scientist. Individuals who hold bachelor's or master's degrees in astronomy can work as technicians or research assistants in a related field. Other students become middle or high school science teachers. Regardless of the educational path you choose, the astronomy field is an interesting and challenging profession.

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Paradise Valley Community College

Phoenix, AZ

Paradise Valley Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Phoenix, Arizona, with a satellite facility located in Scottsdale. The college offers over 60 Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and Certificate of Completion...

“…

I know many preconceptions about community colleges revolve around them not providing the same quality of education as the big universities do, but I'm happy to report that those judgements are sadly incorrect. From learning how to successfully...

” – Stephanie from Phoenix, AZ

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$9,239

average net price

5,965

number of students

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South Mountain Community College

Phoenix, AZ

South Mountain Community College is a 2-year institution in Phoenix. Over 70 percent of its enrollment is made up of first-generation college students and SMCC is federally designated as an Hispanic-Serving Institution. SMCC is home to five academic...

“…

south mountain community college is an awesome school. it is safe and a well rounded of staff. i would not choose any other college!

” – michelle from phoenix, az

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$8,566

average net price

3,597

number of students

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State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz, NY

The State University of New York at New Paltz is 4-year public liberal arts institution in the Hudson Valley region of New York State and the area’s only residential public university. SUNY New Paltz is home to seven degree-granting colleges and...

“…

This is my first semester at New Paltz and I do feel like I am learning a lot. It's a liberal arts college, so there is a great variety of choices of classes to suit you. My professors are all very intelligent and have great styles of teaching, so it...

” – Brianna from Wappingers Falls, NY

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1192

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46%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$17,171

average net price

7,075

number of students

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Hartnell College

Salinas, CA

Named for the founder of California’s first junior college, Hartnell College is a 2-year institution south of San José. Featuring a diverse student body, Hartnell is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and it has been named one of the...

“…

Hartnell College is a fun and friendly school for students that want to understand what success feels like. At Hartnell College the teachers work with every student to help them become successful and well prepared for their future goals. Hartnell...

” – Christian from Salinas, CA

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$3,967

average net price

9,808

number of students

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University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, MN

University of Northwestern - St. Paul is a Christian, liberal arts university established north of St. Paul in the town of Roseville. Along with traditional coursework, undergraduate students at UNW are also required to attend a daily chapel program...

“…

Northwestern offers a myriad of opportunities to learn more about almost every topic if you take advantage of everything! From a wide variety of classes, to interesting clubs, the friendly people where who are always willing to talk about their...

” – L,. Wausau, WI

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1206

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82%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$21,871

average net price

3,398

number of students

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Benedictine College

Atchison, KS

Founded in 1859, Benedictine College is a private, Roman Catholic institution sponsored by both the Mount St. Scholastica Monastery and St. Benedict’s Abbey. Located in Atchison, Kansas, Benedictine also has a campus in Florence, Italy. This...

“…

Since it is a liberal arts college there are a variety of classes to take and learn about. The classes range from Introduction to Theology, Survey of Motion Picture History, Financial Management, Dance, and Nursing.

” – Regina from Saint Louis, MO

average act composite

1200

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98%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$23,011

average net price

2,287

number of students

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Monterey Peninsula College

Monterey, CA

Monterey Peninsula College is a public, 2-year institution established in the state of California. Along with the main campus in Monterey, MPC also maintains learning centers in both Seaside and Marina. Students enrolled at MPC have access to a...

“…

I rate my school a 10 is a great school. the staff go step by step with students on informations especially the financial ladies.

” – Maria from salinas, CA

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$9,572

average net price

6,828

number of students

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Rio Salado College

Tempe, AZ

Rio Salado College is a public, 2-year institution established in Tempe, Arizona, with satellite education centers throughout the region. Rio Salado primarily serves students through online programs, though it offers in-person and hybrid options as...

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I learned a lot. The teachers are very supportive and assist you in numerous ways.

” – Gina from Tonopah, AZ

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$9,320

average net price

15,682

number of students

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Dodge City Community College

Dodge City, KS

Dodge City Community College is a public, 2-year institution established on a 145-acre, suburban campus in Kansas. The college offers over 30 academic and vocational degree programs in a variety of fields, including Dietetics, Music, Agribusiness...

“…

Well your in Kansa for crying out lound!!!
If you in joy rodeo this is the school for you.
Basketball, Track & field and football these sports are good here too!!

” – Candace from Lauderhill, FL

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$4,506

average net price

1,731

number of students

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Pennsylvania State University-Erie-Behrend College

Erie, PA

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is a public institution located in suburban Erie, PA. PSB is a residential college and has one of the largest campuses in the Penn State System. Mechanical engineering, e-commerce, and...

“…

Although what you learn depends mostly on you the teachers also have a part in how a student learns. At Penn State the teachers take extra time out of their day to assist you along with most of the other staff. Everyone is willing to help and be...

” – Danielle from Erie, PA

average act composite

1171

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89%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$25,123

average net price

4,312

number of students

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GateWay Community College

Phoenix, AZ

GateWay Community College Arizona is a public, 2-year institution established in Phoenix, and it is a member of the Maricopa County Community College District. GateWay offers over 150 academic programs, including associate’s degree and certificate...

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I love Gateway! Everyone is friendly and helpful. The campus is nice and easy to find your way around.

” – Renee from Scottsdale, AZ

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Major city

campus setting

$10,315

average net price

4,673

number of students

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El Camino Community College District

Torrance, CA

El Camino College is a 2-year community college in the South Bay district of Los Angeles. El Camino offers transfer agreements with a number of 4-year colleges and universities and ranks second among all southern California community colleges in...

“…

Most teachers here do a great job at teaching their subjects with the exception of a few of them. They have a great class selection to choose from so there's always something new to learn each semester.

” – Chain from L.A. County

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acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$9,434

average net price

19,675

number of students

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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is the internet hub for all Penn State online classes. Penn State World confers degrees and certificates in over 150 academic programs entirely online. In addition, Penn State World does not require students...

average act composite

1139

average sat composite

54%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$22,892

average net price

14,458

number of students

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Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr, PA

Founded in 1885, Bryn Mawr College is a women’s liberal arts institution in the greater Philadelphia area and part of the Seven Sisters. Bryn Mawr offers undergraduate degrees in 37 majors and was the first women’s college to confer a PhD...

“…

The campus is absolutely beautiful. The academics are rigorous.

” – Mary from plano, TX

average act composite

1415

average sat composite

39%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$31,752

average net price

1,778

number of students

Astronomy

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