The Astronomy program provides students with the foundation and direction for a successful career in astronomy. Students can follow the Astronomy Transfer Pathway and earn an Associate in Science degree.
Paired with Earth Science courses, astronomy teaches students the structure and evolution of the solar system, an overview of the universe and how to observe the heavens. In-class lab exercise will broaden and deepen learning.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in Astronomy Club. The Astronomy Club enables students to connect with other astronomy students, attend field trips to museums and observatories and learn more about the history of astronomy.
Determine Your Path
Become a researcher and educator or find employment in an observatory, laboratory, planetarium or museum.
Whether you are planning for a degree in astronomy, planning to transfer to a four-year college or university or updating your skills, COD offers:
- Dedicated instructors with years of industry experience and certification.
- Instruction in top-notch facilities and cutting-edge equipment, including the Immersive Visualization Lab and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Room.
- Flexible course schedules with day and evening classes, online learning and accelerated hybrid classes.
- Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
- An innovative transfer program that facilitates a convenient, affordable and streamlined approach to earning a bachelor's degree.
Associate in Science
The Astronomy Transfer Pathway, Associate in Science degree program represents a typical course schedule or sequence for a student planning to complete the Associate in Science degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline.
COD Stories
"Everyone at COD will be more than happy to help you, and they want you to know that you are not alone. It may be hard and scary to ask a professor for help or advice, but I can assure you that they will be more than happy to help." - Damonte Woodall
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"The barrier between students and professors does not exist at COD. I feel like I’ve developed a relationship with my professors. They worked in their fields and have excellent advice to share.” - Rachel Fry
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"I’ve been able to take all of my gen eds and it’s cool how flexible my schedule can be. I have so many options to pick and choose from, and this allows me to work and save money." - Andrew Krall
Andrew's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in astronomy is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Students who complete an Earth Science course meeting the Illinois general education graduation requirement will:
- Identify the risks, societal impacts, and appropriate responses to earth-related processes that may include geological, astronomical, atmospheric, and hydrological issues.
- Examine and explain the interrelationships among at least two of the following systems: geological, astronomical, atmospheric, and hydrological.
College of DuPage has several earth science transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
Tour the Immersive Visualization Lab
The Immersive Visualization Lab produces images in 360 degrees, warping students to just about anywhere on Earth or space. See what it is like to be inside.
Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
