A Ph.D. in astronomy is typically required for a career as a professional astronomer. A bachelor's degree in physics or a related field is usually required for admission to a Ph.D. program in astronomy, followed by four to six years of coursework and research. Additionally, many employers also require post-doctoral research experience, which can take two to four years. During a Ph.D. program in astronomy, students take courses in a variety of physics and astronomy topics, and conduct research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. This research typically involves observing astronomical objects and analyzing data. Astronomy also often require strong skills in programming, mathematics, and data analysis. Some specific job titles within the broad field of astronomy might include observational astronomer, planetary scientist, theoretical astrophysicist, and cosmology