Associate in Science, Astronomy | Astronomy Emphasis | Programs & Degrees

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Astronomy focuses on the universe, galaxies, stars, planets, moons, and other celestial objects. In this program you’ll learn the laws that govern how our universe operates. Astronomy is about more than studying outer space. With this understanding you can work toward solving many of the problems that face our world, including those found in the areas of energy, climate, healthcare, exploration, and environmental sustainability.

In MCC’s courses on astronomy you will focus on astrophysics, planetary science, and astrobiology. You will learn to think and work critically and creatively, independently, and collaboratively. You will have access to our state-of-the-art planetarium, leading-edge telescopes, and challenging research opportunities.

Details

Important information you’ll need when applying to MCC:

Academic Career: Credit
Degree/Certificate Type: Associate Degree / University Transfer
Academic Plan: Associate in Science, Astronomy (AS)
Academic Plan Code: 8605
Total Credits Required: 58–69
Catalog Year: 2019-2020
Transfer Partner: Northern Arizona University
Transfer Program: Astronomy (Bachelor of Science)

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

Engage and develop your curiosity of the natural world. (CO, CE, CG, CT)
Utilize laboratory equipment, telescopes, and software to gather data, observations, and measurements in order to find patterns, correlations, and relationships related to our origins and place in the universe and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. (CT)
Clearly communicate scientific ideas to a diverse audience—qualitatively and quantitatively, in verbal, written, and visual formats, using an appropriate technical vocabulary. (CO, CT)
Implement a macro perspective to interpret, analyze, and engage with universal concepts. (CT)
Critically assess problems using the principles, methodologies, and perspectives of astronomy. (CT)
Evaluate published materials for scientific validity. (CO, CT)
Compare and contrast the perspectives of diverse societies and cultures. (CO, CG, CE, CT)
Demonstrate ethical practices in individual and collaborative work settings. (CO, CE)
Integrate and apply theory and observational data to develop solutions to societal problems. (CE, CG, CT)

Career Opportunities

Majoring in astronomy builds the skills, knowledge, and mental framework you will need to succeed in careers as diverse as healthcare, manufacturing and industry, education, engineering, media and journalism, resource management, and computing.

Successful completion of the Associate in Science, Astronomy program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this program. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Astronomers

$136,476

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

Typical Education Level

a Doctoral degree or more

Hourly Median Wage

$65.61

Annual Median Wage

$136,476

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 10.0%

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

$93,873

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$45.13

Annual Median Wage

$93,873

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

104

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 16.3%

Postsecondary Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Science Teachers

$56,457

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Typical Education Level

a Doctoral degree or more

Hourly Median Wage

$27.14

Annual Median Wage

$56,457

Annual Job Openings

1,222

Number of People Employed

14,262

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 14.6%

Computer Programmers

$79,117

Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$38.03

Annual Median Wage

$79,117

Annual Job Openings

237

Number of People Employed

3,799

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 1.6%

Graphic Designers

$43,467

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$20.89

Annual Median Wage

$43,467

Annual Job Openings

337

Number of People Employed

3,387

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 5.8%

Multimedia Artists and Animators

$41,463

Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$19.93

Annual Median Wage

$41,463

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

391

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 8.4%

Museum Technicians and Conservators

$41,173

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

Typical Education Level

a Master's or Professional degree

Hourly Median Wage

$19.79

Annual Median Wage

$41,173

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 30.4%

Park Naturalists

$70,580

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$33.93

Annual Median Wage

$70,580

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

112

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 13.4%

Photographers

$25,121

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.

Typical Education Level

a high school diploma or less

Hourly Median Wage

$12.07

Annual Median Wage

$25,121

Annual Job Openings

194

Number of People Employed

1,889

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 3.3%

Physicists

$125,869

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Typical Education Level

a Doctoral degree or more

Hourly Median Wage

$60.51

Annual Median Wage

$125,869

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 22.2%

Postsecondary Physics Teachers

$56,457

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Typical Education Level

a Doctoral degree or more

Hourly Median Wage

$27.14

Annual Median Wage

$56,457

Annual Job Openings

1,222

Number of People Employed

14,262

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 14.6%

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

$93,809

Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.

Typical Education Level

a Master's or Professional degree

Hourly Median Wage

$45.10

Annual Median Wage

$93,809

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

109

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 7.3%

Reporters and Correspondents

$53,472

Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$25.70

Annual Median Wage

$53,472

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

498

4-Year Employment Growth

Decrease by -20.3%

Video Game Designers

$79,279

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$38.11

Annual Median Wage

$79,279

Annual Job Openings

406

Number of People Employed

5,433

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 11.5%

* Career and wage information provided by Emsi using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Emsi’s proprietary analytical processes. Emsi’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
Initial course placement is determined by placement tests and completion of 100-200 level course pre-/corequisites and program prerequisites.
Students should meet with an academic advisor about any concerns that may affect course enrollment.
This course sequence is still pending final approval

Full-time
Part-time

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness area requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
17-18
AST106 or AST111 or AST112	Life in the Universe or Introduction to Solar System Astronomy or Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or completion of higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory score on placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or completion of higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory score on placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory score on district placement exam.	Critical course Gateway course	SQ	4
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of "C" or better in ENG091 or ESL097. or Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of C or better in ENG091 or ESL097.		FYC	3
MAT220 or MAT221	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	Prerequisites: Grade of "C"or better in [MAT182 and (MAT150, MAT151 or MAT152)], or MAT187, or appropriate Math placement test score. or Prerequisites: Grade of "C"or better in [MAT182 and (MAT150, MAT151 or MAT152)], or MAT187, or appropriate Math placement test score.		MA	4–5
HU or HU & L	Humanities, Arts, & Design (HU) course or Humanities, Arts, & Design (HU) and Literacy & Critical Inquiry course				3
SB	Social and Behavioral Sciences (SB) Course				3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
15-20
AST106 or AST111 or AST112	Life in the Universe or Introduction to Solar System Astronomy or Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or completion of higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory score on placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory score on district placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory score on district placement exam.	Critical course Gateway course	SQ	4
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: (A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107) and (appropriate reading placement test score or a grade of C or better in RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or permission of Instructor).		L	0–3
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC	3
PHY121 or PHY115	University Physics I: Mechanics or University Physics I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. One year of High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 suggested but not required. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. One year of High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 suggested but not required.		SQ	4–5
MAT230 or MAT231	Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent. or Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent.		MA	4–5

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
15-17
AST106 or AST111 or AST112	Life in the Universe or Introduction to Solar System Astronomy or Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or completion of higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory score on placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory score on district placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory score on district placement exam.	Critical course Gateway course	SQ	4
PHY131 or PHY116	University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism or University Physics II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department or Division and PHY121. Corequisites: MAT241 or permission of Department or Division. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department or Division and PHY121. Corequisites: MAT241 or permission of Department or Division.		SQ	4–5
mat240 or MAT241	Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231. or Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231.		MA	4–5
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites		SB or L or SB	3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
11-14
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY131.			4
HU or HU or (HU & L)	Humanities, Arts, & Design Course or Humanities, Arts, & Design (HU) and Literacy & Critical Inquiry course				3
MAT276	Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230, or MAT231, or permission of Department or Division.	If two SB courses were not completed in previous terms, complete an SB course. If the L requirement was not completed in previous terms , select a course that carries the L value.	MA	4
Electives	Two Elective Courses		If needed to reach 60 credits. MAT225 recommended		0–3

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness area requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
7
AST106 or AST111 or AST112	Life in the Universe or Introduction to Solar System Astronomy or Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or completion of higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory score on placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or completion of higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory score on placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory score on district placement exam.	Critical course Gateway course	SQ	4
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of "C" or better in ENG091 or ESL097. or Prerequisites: Appropriate writing placement test score, or a grade of C or better in ENG091 or ESL097.		FYC	3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
10-11
MAT220 or MAT221	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	Prerequisites: Grade of "C"or better in [MAT182 and (MAT150, MAT151 or MAT152)], or MAT187, or appropriate Math placement test score. or Prerequisites: Grade of "C"or better in [MAT182 and (MAT150, MAT151 or MAT152)], or MAT187, or appropriate Math placement test score.	MA	4–5
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: (A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107) and (appropriate reading placement test score or a grade of C or better in RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or permission of Instructor).	L	3
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG107.	FYC	3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
7-8
PHY121 or PHY115	University Physics I: Mechanics or University Physics I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. One year of High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 suggested but not required. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220 or MAT221 or permission of Department or Division. One year of High School physics or PHY111 and PHY112 suggested but not required.	SQ	4–5
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites	SB or L or SB	3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
8-9
AST106 or AST111 or AST112	Life in the Universe or Introduction to Solar System Astronomy or Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or completion of higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory score on placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory score on district placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory score on district placement exam.	SQ	4
MAT230 or MAT231	Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent. or Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent.	MA	4–5

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
7
SB	Social and Behavioral Sciences (SB) Course			3
PHY131 or PHY116	University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism or University Physics II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department or Division and PHY121. Corequisites: MAT241 or permission of Department or Division. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or permission of Department or Division and PHY121. Corequisites: MAT241 or permission of Department or Division.	SQ	4

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
8-9
AST106 or AST111 or AST112	Life in the Universe or Introduction to Solar System Astronomy or Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or completion of higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory score on placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory score on district placement exam. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT092 or higher, or satisfactory score on district placement exam.		SQ	4
MAT240 or MAT241	Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT230 or MAT231 or Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230 or MAT231.	If two SB courses were not completed in previous terms, complete an SB course. If the L requirement was not completed in previous terms , select a course that carries the L value.	MA	4–5

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
6-7
MAT276 or MAT277	Modern Differential Equations or Modern Differential Equations	Prerequisites: Grade of "C" or better in MAT230, or MAT231, or permission of Department or Division. or No requisites	MA	3–4
HU or HU and L	Humanities, Arts, & Design Course or Humanities, Arts, & Design (HU) and Literacy & Critical Inquiry course			3

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Credits
7
PHY241	University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in PHY131.	4
HU or HU and L	Humanities, Arts, & Design Course or Humanities, Arts, & Design (HU) and Literacy & Critical Inquiry course		3

Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
0-3
Elective	Elective Course		If needed to reach 60 credits.		0–3

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Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the Astronomy program.

General Help

Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.

Program Area Key

C = Cultural Diversity in the US
COM = Oral Communication
CR = Critical Reading
CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
FE = Free Elective
FYC = First Year Composition

G = Global Awareness
H = Historical Awareness
HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
MA = Mathematics
NS = Natural Science

PP = Program Prerequisite
SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
SG = Natural Sciences General
SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
RC = Required Courses
RE = Restricted Electives

Disclaimer

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

All information is administered by the Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation at Maricopa County Community College District and published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.

View MCCCD’s program website for the Associate in Science in Associate in Science, Astronomy (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/acres.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=137169).

Other Versions

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. Other versions of this pathway map from different catalog years are available below:

Catalog Year	Effective Dates
2019-2020	Current
2018-2019	5/29/2018 – 5/27/2019

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Associate in Science, Astronomy Astronomy Emphasis

Details

What You’ll Learn

Career Opportunities

Astronomers

$136,476

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

$93,873

Postsecondary Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Science Teachers

$56,457

Computer Programmers

$79,117

Graphic Designers

$43,467

Multimedia Artists and Animators

$41,463

Museum Technicians and Conservators

$41,173

Park Naturalists

$70,580

Photographers

$25,121

Physicists

$125,869

Postsecondary Physics Teachers

$56,457

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

$93,809

Reporters and Correspondents

$53,472

Video Game Designers

$79,279

Course Sequence by Term

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Term 5

Term 6

Term 7

Term 8

Term 9

Ready to get started?

Program Area Key

Disclaimer

Other Versions