By
Ryan Gabrielson
Arizona Summer Wildcat
First astrology degree offered at Kepler College
At the UA, many students and faculty study the stars and their positions in the sky to ascertain answers concerning the creation of the universe. At Kepler College, in Washington state, students are studying the stars to determine whether to look for love on Wednesday.
Kepler College, a distance leaning institution, is now accredited to offer Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in astrology. It is the first College of Astrology in the Western world, stated a release from Jillian Yuhas, Kepler spokeswoman.
"Kepler College will offer the most comprehensive astrological education available in today's world," Yuhas stated.
The University of Arizona doesn't offer any astrology courses or services, but some students expressed an interest in the possibility of one beginning here.
"I was trying to look up an astrology course right now," said Natasha Gibson, geology sophomore.
At Kepler, named after the astronomer Johanes Kepler, a term lasts 12 weeks, 11 of which are online. The final week of their term is spent at a symposium at the base site in Lynnwood, Wash.
"I think it would be very neat," said Michelle Murphy about having astrology courses at the UA. Murphy is a Spanish studies freshman.
Astrology, the observation of the stars to determine future events and character traits, doesn't have many fans in the UA's Astronomy department, said Phillip Pinto, astronomy professor.
"Astrology has always been around, but it has nothing to do with the real world," Pinto said.
While there is some interest in the possibility of a course in astrology at the UA, it's unlikely that astrology will be added to the course catalogue any time soon.
"I would hope not," Pinto said.
David Arnett, an astrology professor, said that he questions the value of a degree in astrology.
"Maybe I can sell them a bridge," Arnett joked.
Though there are several students at the UA who think that astronomy would at least be an entertaining addition to the university, some agree with those in the astronomy department.
"I don't believe in it, I'm not going to say somebody else can't," said Brooke Decker, a Secondary education sophomore.
Though horoscopes, which follow the principles of astrology, are listed in newspapers across the United States, Arnett said that they shouldn't be viewed as something to rely on.
"There's nothing mainstream about it," Arnett said. "It's stupid, but there's a lot of stupidity, and it's an election year."
