Observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.
Significant Points
- Scientific research and development services firms and the Federal Government employ 3 out of 5 physicists and astronomers.
- Most jobs are in basic research and development, usually requiring a doctoral degree; master's degree holders qualify for many jobs in applied research and development, while bachelor's degree holders often qualify as technicians, research assistants, or other types of jobs.
- Employment is expected to grow more slowly than average.
- Competition for jobs is expected; however, graduates with a physics or astronomy degree at any level will find their knowledge of science and mathematics useful for entry to many other occupations.
National Outlook
| 2004 Total Employment | N/A |
| 2014 Expected Employment | N/A |
| Change (Percent) | N/A ( 10.4) |
| Total Openings | N/A |