The Associate of Science Degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to specific science majors at four-year colleges or universities. Students pursuing this degree are required to select a field of specialization from an approved list and will be assigned a TCC advisor to understand specialization requirements. Astronomy is a field of specialization at TCC. You can prepare for a future career in astronomy or physics. TCC offers courses that cover the first two years of a typical four-year college astronomy or physics program. Students will earn an Associate of Science Track 2 (AS-T Track 2) degree to enter a four-year college or university.

Astronomy has played an important role in the development of modern science and technology. Astronomers study the formation, chemistry, composition, and evolution of celestial objects. Modern astronomers work with advanced technology and instrumentation to study planets, stars galaxies, nebulae, black holes, and the universe itself. Students take astronomy courses to prepare for a major in astronomy, or to fulfill general education requirements in related fields, or to prepare for various vocational jobs as technicians for high-tech industries. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in astronomy pursue careers as museum and planetarium directors, astronomers/astrophysicists, space scientists, mission data analysts, spacecraft and instrument designers, teachers, observatory technicians, telescope operators, electronics technicians, computer programmers, or to work in the fields of optics, mathematics, electronics, or computer programming.

Geologic science is the science of the earth. It is an organized body of knowledge about the earth or planet on which we live - about the mountains, the plains, the oceans, and the atmosphere. It studies the effects of geologic hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions. It also addresses the ways to conserve and protect the world's fragile geologic environment. Planetary science concerns itself with the study of the origin of galaxies and the universe, along with the laws which order these systems and bodies.

The Associate in Science Degree in Astronomy prepares students for a variety of academic and professional pathways in the field of astronomy, astrophysics, and physics. Upon completion of the program requirements, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further education at four-year institutions, including CSU/UC, where they can obtain a baccalaureate degree in majors such as astronomy, astrophysics, or physics.

Astronomy is the study of the vast universe around us. We start on the earth and sweep outward past the moon to the solar system's planets and our sun, one of the billions of stars in our galaxy.