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How Many Years in College to be an Astronomer?

-- | February 28, 2015

Question: I am a 14 year old girl and want to be a astronomer when I get older. I was wondering how long you would have to be in college. — Elena

Answer: Most astronomers have doctorate (PhD) degrees in astronomy or physics. A quick tally of the number of years that it takes to get a PhD degree can be accounted as follows:

4 years for your undergraduate (bachelors) degree.
At least 5 years, but likely not more than 7 years, to complete your graduate studies to earn your PhD degree.

You might also be interested in visiting my Careers in Astronomy section for further information on topics relevant to those interested in pursuing careers in science, and especially astronomy.

Jeff Mangum

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