Astronomy

El Camino’s astronomy degree program puts you on a path for success. Classes include a wide range of labs and lectures designed to prepare for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university.

$2,208

Approximate cost for an El Camino College AS degree in astronomy

$107K

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $45,000 to over $208,000 with an average salary of $107,000

9.8%

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow 9.8% nationwide from 2016 to 2026

Our Astronomy Associate of Science (AS) degree typically takes two years.

Explore our challenging astronomy and related science courses to discover how this degree can lead to many exciting educational and career opportunities.

Choose a Degree Designed to Prepare You for University Transfer

Most El Camino astronomy graduates will transfer to a four-year college or university to continue their education. Learn more about this degree that offers a university pathway and a variety of science-based careers.

Degree

This degree offers a direct route to a bachelor’s degree program and opportunities in many career fields. Build your scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills while exploring your interest in astronomy.

Take classes covering areas like astronomical optics, the solar system, stars, and galaxies.
Discover scientific problem-solving strategies that apply to concepts involving mechanics, thermodynamics, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and physics.
Learn to use telescopes to view the moon, sun, planets, stars, star clusters, and nebulae.
Earn a degree and meet most common transfer requirements.

Catalog Program Mapper

Continue Your Education in Astronomy

After earning a degree in astronomy, you will be ready to transfer to the university level. We’re here to help you prepare for advanced work and further scientific study.

Explore careers in astronomy, space science, or related fields such as science education, science management, scientific computing, scientific instrumentation, and science writing.
Gain a basic astronomy background that prepares you to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.
Improve research skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and explore your interests and career goals.
Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $45,000 to over $208,000 with an average salary of $107,000.

Build Your Astronomy Network Beyond the Classroom

As an El Camino astronomy student, you’ll have many opportunities to explore various areas of science outside the classroom setting.

Explore astronomy in labs and expand your studies through visits to the on-campus planetarium and observatory featuring several telescopes. The planetarium has regular events.
Find support from the successful MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program that provides a peer-based academic community.
Join the El Camino Astronomy & Astrophysics Club, which arranges guest speakers and student-centered activities.
Attend meetings of the South Bay Astronomical Society, which meets monthly at the El Camino Planetarium.
Make your own telescope and test it during a class observing trip to a “dark skies” area.