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CIP 40.0299 Physical Sciences

Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

129

2025 · 11 schools

International share

10.1%

13 international students

Bachelor's degrees

96

5.2% international

Master's degrees

17

35.3% international

Overview

Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other refers to specialized areas within the broader fields of astronomy and astrophysics that may not be categorized under traditional or well-defined programs. This interdisciplinary field involves the study of celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and the underlying physical principles governing the universe.

Students in this program typically engage in a diverse range of topics, including observational and theoretical aspects of astronomy, cosmology, stellar dynamics, planetary science, and the study of galaxies. Research may also extend to the analysis of data from telescopes and space missions, as well as simulations that model the behavior of cosmic systems.

In addition to core courses in physics and mathematics, students might explore unique topics such as exoplanets, dark matter, gravitational waves, and the evolution of the universe. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests within the vast expanse of the cosmos.

Career opportunities for graduates can vary widely, ranging from academic positions in research and teaching to roles in government agencies, such as NASA, or private sector positions in aerospace and data analysis. Some graduates also pursue careers in science communication, public outreach, and education, helping to foster a greater public understanding of the universe.

Overall, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the universe's complexities, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for the mysteries of the cosmos.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 153% and the international share went from 35.3% to 10.1%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
59.7%
Asian
7.8%
Hispanic
12.4%
Black
3.9%
Other
6.2%
Intl.
10.1%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 11 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#3 Harvard University Massachusetts 22 5
#9 Johns Hopkins University Maryland 5 2
#20 University of California-Los Angeles California 14 0
#23 Emory University Georgia 3 0
#59 George Washington University D.C. 3 0
#90 Texas Christian University Texas 2 1
#169 Butler University Indiana 5 1
#236 Florida Institute of Technology Florida 33 2
#250 University of Wyoming Wyoming 6 0
— Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Florida 26 1
— College of Charleston South Carolina 5 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Natural Sciences Managers 108,690 $86.66 $180,250
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary 13,090 — $111,460
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 9,900 — $116,020
Astronomers 2,120 $63.91 $132,920

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.