The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
Astronomers study the solar system, stars, galaxies, and space using principles of physics and mathematics. Their work adds to the basic scientific knowledge about the nature of the universe and also provides a basis for improvement in such areas as aircraft navigation and satellite communication. They study planets, stars, novas, and colliding gases between stars in an attempt to find out how they were formed, what they are made of, and how they change. They measure light, radio and x-ray emissions from space sources. Astronomers can advance to director of an observatory or science center.
This program is intended to prepare students for transfer into the study of Astronomy.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Lower division major preparation for transfer into Astronomy
- Upon completion of the Astronomy Courses, students will be able to explain: Key principles of astronomy, using applicable vocabulary, including employing the scientific method to organize, prioritize, and problem-solve. How and where the human species fits into the immense, complex, and ever-changing universe.
General Education
Available Online
