Other Masters degree advice to work in the Space Industry

[nirmo]

Hello everyone :)

I’m currently a third-year undergraduate student in Electrical Engineering at a college (not a highly ranked one).
Since my first year, I’ve known that I want to continue to a master’s degree—only at a university—and my long-term goal is to work in research and development in the space industry.

My first preference is pursuing an M.Sc. in Physics. I truly enjoy physics, constantly try to expand my knowledge, and the main reason I even chose Electrical Engineering was because pure physics felt “too big” for me at the time.
My second preference is an M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, most likely specializing in RF and electromagnetic waves.

It’s important to mention that I’m not exceptionally gifted; to be average, I usually need to work harder than average.
Because of that, I want to ask for advice from people who are more experienced and knowledgeable than I am.

My question is:
Given that I’m coming from a college-level background, is the academic level of a Physics M.Sc. at a university too high for someone like me? Is it unrealistic and I should go directly for a master’s in Electrical Engineering instead, or is it worth trying?
I would appreciate hearing anything important that I might not have considered—especially the painful truths.

Thank you in advance for your time.

 

[Frabjous]

The problem with Physics M.Sc. is not that it is “too high”, but that you are missing the necessary prerequisites (quantum classical and statistical mechanics). You might try looking for an applied physics program.

 

[CrysPhys]

Since my first year, I’ve known that I want to continue to a master’s degree—only at a university—and my long-term goal is to work in research and development in the space industry.

Your profile lists Israel as your country. Are you attending college there now? Are you planning to complete your master's at a university there? Are you planning to work there afterwards?

"Research and development in the space industry" still covers a large scope of activities. You should investigate the companies and positions that you are interested in, and find out what degrees the tech staff there typically have. E.g., in the US, an MS Physics typically (with some exceptions) will not have much value, but an MSEE would. Some roles, however, might require a PhD.

@Frabjous raises an important point. Should an M.Sc. Physics be appropriate under your circumstances, what undergrad courses and math will you have taken by the time you graduate college? Will you have the prerequisites for an M.Sc. Physics program?