Astronomers
Studies how matter, energy, space and time work.
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Physicists do research on everything from particles to galaxies, and apply physics in labs, tech companies, hospitals (medical physics), energy and defense. Many physics majors go on to engineering, data science and teaching.
The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.
High school courses that build toward it
- Pre-Algebra · Math
Builds math, which this job uses.
- Physics · Science
Builds physics, which this job uses.
- Computer Science Principles · Computer Science
Builds computers and electronics, which this job uses.
- English 10 · English
Builds reading and writing, which this job uses.
- Engineering Design · Career and Technical
Builds engineering, which this job uses.
- Physical Education · Health and PE
Builds teaching and training, which this job uses.
Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.
Astronomers on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.