Everett Community College astronomy courses are designed for non-science majors or students with a general interest in the subject. Students wishing to study astronomy at a four-year institution are urged to major in physics at EvCC. Astronomy is a subfield of physics. Astronomers use the principles of physics and mathematics to learn about the fundamental nature of the universe, including the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. They also apply their knowledge to solve problems in navigation, space flight, and satellite communications and to develop the instrumentation and techniques used to observe and collect astronomical data. Almost all astronomers do research. Some are theoreticians, working on the laws governing the structure and evolution of astronomical objects. Others analyze large quantities of data gathered by observatories and satellites and write scientific papers or reports on their findings. Some operate large space- or ground-based telescopes, making observations with optical telescopes, radio telescopes, and other instruments. For many years, satellites and other space-based instruments, such as the Hubble Space TelescopeExternal Site Link, have provided prodigious amounts of astronomical data. New technology resulting in improvements in analytical techniques and instruments, such as computers and optical telescopes and mounts, is leading to a resurgence in ground-based research.

The Physics Department supports the college-wide Core Learning Outcomes, in additional to promoting the following program-specific outcomes: Demonstrate the use of analytical skills in solving scientific problems. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of science and the scientific process. Communicate scientific information to others.