It is desirable that a student have a reading knowledge of French, German, Russian, or Spanish. Students are also urged to broaden their background by taking courses in geology, electronics, or other sub jects after consultation with their adviser. Most professional astronomers are employed by universities as researchers and teachers. The federal government also employs astronomers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the national observatories. Most of these positions require a doctoral degree, but graduates with a bachelor's degree may find openings on the staffs of observatories, planetariums, museums, and in government training programs.
Astronomy also offers a good introduction to some areas of atmospheric phys ics and meteorology.
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