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Astronomy

If you are fascinated by the marvels of space, then consider a career in the field of astronomy. 

In this area of study, you will take the classes you need to transfer to a four-year college or university as a junior to complete your bachelor’s degree in astronomy. You’ll learn astronomy, math and physics and complete general education requirements in areas such as English and the humanities. Some of your learning will take place in the SFCC state-of-the-art digital planetarium located on campus.

Studying astronomy could lead to a variety of excellent careers—from astronomer to science teacher to science journalist.

SFCC is a MESA College

MESA: Mathematics, Engineering Science, Achievement logo
SFCC offers extra support and career development to students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math programs through MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement).

What You’ll Learn

  • Explain advantages and limitations of astronomical models used to predict natural phenomena
  • Collect, interpret, and analyze experimental data from labs, graphs, HR Diagrams
  • Present scientific results verbally, visually and/or in writing
  • Solve problems by working in diverse teams
  • Apply critical thinking methods to analyze scientific information
  • Explain the life cycle of stars, and how this cycle leads to the formation of elements and planets that ultimately led to life in the universe

You and your advisor will use this program map as a starting point to create a personal education plan customized to your needs. No matter what level of math you’re starting with, we will support you along your journey. We meet you where you are and help you reach your goals. We have a place for you!

Need more details? Check out the degree worksheet for the Associate in Science – Transfer Track 2, and work with your advisor to make sure you take the right classes to prepare to transfer in Astronomy.

Course descriptions and course learning outcomes can be found in our online catalogue.

Program Map for

Print/Download

Choose program map:

Total Credits: 90

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
MATH& 151
Calculus I
5
PHYS 201
Engineering Physics I
5
Choose 1 course from:
ASTR& 100
Survey of Astronomy
5
ASTR& 101
Introduction to Astronomy
5
Total Credits
 
15

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENGL& 101
English Composition I
5
MATH& 152
Calculus II
5
PHYS 202
Engineering Physics II
5
Total Credits
 
15

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
MATH& 153
Calculus III
5
PHYS 203
Engineering Physics III
5
Choose 1 course from:
GEOG& 100
Introduction to Geography
5
GEOG& 102
World Regional Geography
5
Total Credits
 
15

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CHEM& 161
General Chemistry w/Lab I
5
Choose 1 course from:
FILM 141
Introduction to Film
5
HUM 107
Introduction to Cultural Studies
5
Choose 1 course from:
GEOL& 100
Survey of Earth Science
5
GEOL& 101
Intro to Physical Geology
5
Total Credits
 
15

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CHEM& 162
General Chemistry w/Lab II
5
CS& 141
Computer Science I Java
5
MATH& 254
Calculus IV
5
Total Credits
 
15

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CHEM& 163
General Chemistry w/Lab III
5
MATH 274
Elementary Differential Equations
5
Choose 1 course from:
CMST 226
Gender Communication
5
CMST 227
Intercultural Communication
5
Total Credits
 
15

You and your advisor will use the Program Map located on this page to create a personal education plan customized to your interests and goals, your start quarter, full- or part-time status, any prior credits you have, and the classes available each quarter. To see the requirements for the AS-T2 - Engineering, Computer Science, Physics and Atmospheric Science click here, then scroll down to Associate in Science – Transfer Track 2 (AS-T2)

Maximum estimated costs for completing this program

  • Tuition

  • Resident

    $
    9,245
  • Non-Resident

    $
    11,459
  • International

    $
    21,146
  • Books

    $
    1,747
  • Course Fees

    $
    181
  • Institutional Fees

    $
    1,511

  • The amounts listed for tuition and lab & course fees reflects a maximum estimated cost and may be lower based on courses selected.
  • The amount listed for books is a maximum estimated cost based on the price of new textbooks purchased during the previous school year. Costs may be lower based on student choices and availability (used books vs new, rental vs purchase).
  • For more information about costs, visit our page How Much Does It Cost?

  • Vicki Moore
    Vicki Moore
    Stem Pathway Specialist
    Vicki.Moore@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-4150

  • Michele Moore
    Michele Moore
    Astronomy
    B.S., Eastern Washington University; M.S., Washington State University; Ph.D., Washington State University
    Michele.Moore@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-4104
  • John Whitmer
    John Whitmer
    Astronomy
    B.S., University of Idaho; B.S., B.S., University of Washington; M.S., San Diego State University
    John.Whitmer@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3673

Have a question? Let's hear it.

John Whitmer

Faculty
john.whitmer@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-3673
Building 28, Room 236

Vicki Moore

Pathways Specialist
Vicki.Moore@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-4150
Building 28, room 115