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Is a Doctorate Degree Required to Work as an Astronomer?

-- | February 25, 2016

Question: Hi my name is Susie, I’m 15 years old and I’m really interested in astronomy. I’ve been reading many articles about astronomy from sources like NASA, and National Geographic. Reading these articles were fascinating and very interesting to me to know how much technology has advanced throughout the years for scientists to gain more knowledge in what was once unknown before. Since I want to become an astronomer and study in the field of cosmology or planetary science, I want to know what are the basic steps to become an astronomer and do I need to have doctoral degree in order to work anywhere as an astronomer? — Susie

Answer: Great to hear that you are interested in becoming an Astronomer! There are quite a few responses to questions very similar to yours on my Careers in Astronomy section of this blog which you should check out. The basic steps are to first take as many math and science classes that you can in high school so that you can gain a good foundation in these subjects for college. In college, major in astronomy, physics, or chemistry. Also while in college it is very useful to try to participate in research with one of your professors. This research can give you an idea as to what it is like to actually work as a scientist. Toward the end of your undergraduate studies you will need to research graduate schools and ultimately decide on a graduate school to attend. In graduate school, you will work on what will become your doctorate research, which when finished will result in your having been awarded a shiney new PhD in astronomy! Congratulations!

To answer your main question, most professional astronomers do have PhD degrees in astronomy, physics, or chemistry, so it is best to set your sights on that goal. There are jobs in astronomy which require only a bachelors or masters degree, but there are many fewer of those kinds of jobs than those that require doctorate degrees. Good luck!

Jeff Mangum

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