Why Study Astronomy?

From the Classroom to the Cosmos

What’s the origin of the universe, stars, and planets? How do stars live, die, and shape the cosmos? Will the universe ever end? Astronomers explore some of the biggest and most exciting questions about space and time.

At Illinois, you’ll find the perfect launchpad for exploring the universe. Choose from programs in astronomy, astrophysics, astronomy + data science, and computer science + astronomy, and learn to use physics, programming, data science, and other tools to explore the cosmos.

Three reasons to study astronomy at Illinois:

 A man speaking at a podium.

Learn from trailblazers

Dive into the mysteries of space with astronomers and astrophysicists who are shaping the future of the field.

 The Vera C. Rubin Observatory at Dusk.

Access groundbreaking facilities

Collaborate on exciting research projects using world-renowned tools like the South Pole Telescope, the Event Horizon Telescope, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey V.

 A group of people posing and cheering.

Connect with explorers like you

Join student organizations like the Astronomical Society, the Society of Physics Students, or the Society for Equity in Astronomy to share your curiosity and creativity with peers.

From the Classroom to Your Career

Charlie Young sitting in a dugout with a laptop and tossing a baseball in the air.
CS+astronomy alumni Charlie Young in a PNC Park dugout. Image by Harrison Barden for the Illinois Alumni Magazine.

An astronomy degree opens the door to a universe of career possibilities in aerospace, government labs, education, and beyond. Whether you dream of attending a top graduate school or applying data and programming skills to fields like finance or technology, Illinois will help you get there.

Recent graduates have gone on to work at companies such as AbbVie, Amazon, Epsilon, Intuit, Microsoft, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and even the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Where will astronomy take you?

Our alumni are using the skills they developed at Illinois in research, technology, industry, education, and beyond.

Explore alumni stories
100% with some circles.

100% of 2023–24 Astronomy graduates secured a first destination after graduation.

  • 55% entered the workforce
  • 45% continued their education

First destination refers to employment or continued education following graduation.

Get Involved with Research

Students display posters at Astrofest 2026.
Joaquin Vieira

At Illinois, undergraduates have opportunities to work alongside faculty and researchers on real astronomy projects, exploring questions about black holes, galaxies, planets, cosmology, and more. Research experience helps you build skills in problem-solving, programming, communication, and teamwork while preparing you for graduate school and careers beyond astronomy.

 

Explore Research Opportunities
The Fishhead Galaxy.

Ready to explore your path?

Whether you're just beginning to explore astronomy or already know you want to study the cosmos, there are several ways to find the program and support that fit your goals.

Explore Our Programs

Learn more about our astronomy and astrophysics majors, astronomy + data science, computer science + astronomy, and minors.

Talk with an Advisor

Have questions about choosing a major, planning your coursework, or finding the right path in astronomy? Our advisor can help.

Photo by astronomy+data science major, Pierson Lipschultz.