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Students who obtain the Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy typically develop critical skills that are very beneficial to a wide array of professions. Such skills include but are not limited to: data analysis, computer modeling, data measurement, high technology awareness/familiarity/expertise, ability to conduct independent scholarship/observation leadership, writing/communication proficiency, mathematical expertise, creativity (“thinking outside of the box”) and critical thinking/analytical reasoning. The level of skills will of course depend on the nature of the Ph.D. thesis project but in general, astrophysicists are considered to be deep thinkers and problem solvers and are thus highly sought out for high-level jobs in many areas of human endeavor. As the bedrock of all science, mastery in physics gives students confidence and ability to solve a wide variety of problems that are critically and widely relevant to society.

Soon after obtaining their Ph.D., many astrophysicists first seek postdoctoral positions - particularly for those wishing to engage in research for their career to garner more experience and develop their research interests/directions. After this, Ph.D.-level physicists typically obtain faculty positions (visiting professor, professor in residence, assistance, associate and full professor) in academic/degree-granting institutions (private and public universities with graduate level degree programs, four year colleges, professional schools and community colleges). These faculty positions are typically offered by physics departments but physicists can also be hired by chemistry, geology, materials science, atmospheric science, applied math, history of science, engineering, medical physics, and biology departments depending on their particular thesis project/field of expertise. Physicists may also teach in K-12 educational institutions (public and private) with additional teaching certification.

Astrophysicists with Ph.D.s may obtain positions in national observatories (e.g. the Keck telescope or Magdalena Ridge Observatory) or agencies such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory or NASA directing and conducting research projects associated with space programs, satellite development/deployment, exoplanets, stellar and galactic observations to present some examples.

Astrophysicists are often hired by private companies in research- and leadership- based positions, many of which are technology-based (e.g. Raytheon). Many of today’s technological innovations that drive our economy (e.g. the transistor, laser, x-ray machines, NMR/MRI, CCD cameras, microwave ovens, etc.) were developed by physicists who in many cases founded companies creating these technologies. In another example during the recent catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico during 2010, an astrophysicist was appointed on a Presidential commission to investigate and seek solutions to ameliorate the disaster.

Astrophysicists have been hired by financial firms due to their proficiency in data analysis and market modeling/prediction/computer prowess.

Past graduates from the UNLV Ph.D. program in astrophysics have garnered postdoctoral positions in academia.