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Eastern Illinois University

Physics: Astronomy

Explore the universe while building a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. Study stars, planets and galaxies, and observe day or night with the EIU Observatory's computer-controlled and solar telescopes.

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Physics: Astronomy

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 67 in Major
Careers
Managers, Astronomers, Marine,, Postsecondary
Physics: Astronomy students at EIU

Why Study Physics: Astronomy at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on, project-based coursework
  • Work closely with faculty in small class settings
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers across almost every industry
"Astronomy has always been a passion of mine, so I was relieved to find a school that would let me follow my interests. When I was a kid, I was often asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. ... I was so happy to discover that EIU would let me achieve what has been a lifelong dream, especially since EIU has such an amazing physics department."
Nora Sanders
Astronomy | Class of 2029
Nora Sanders, Astronomy at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Physics: Astronomy students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Astronomy is for students who want to explore the universe while building a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. It's a great fit if you are curious, analytical and enjoy asking big questions about how stars form, how planets move and what exists beyond our galaxy.

View in Catalog
$133,070
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Natural Sciences Managers
  • Astronomers
  • Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, & Space…
  • Clinical Research Coordinators
  • Water Resource Specialists
  • Physicists
  • Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Secondary School Teachers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)Job Zone 5: Extensive preparationMost of these careers require graduate school, and many also call for more than five years of experience.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit InvestigativeInvestigative interest typeYou like digging into how things work. This type of work involves researching and analyzing natural phenomena, living things, health problems or human behavior.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Robert Strausbaugh
Observatory Director, Assistant Professor
rstrausbaugh@eiu.edu
2440 Physical Science
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Andrew Mertz
Department Chair and Professor of Computer Science
aemertz@eiu.edu
3619
217-581-3828
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Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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