Can a Physics Major Transition to Astronautical Engineering in Grad School?

[FlufferNuterFSU]

I am a physics major about to finish my undergrad (in a about a year) and have been thinking about fields that I would like to go into. One that strikes my fancy is astronautical engineering, however I have not taken any engineering classes. Is it possible to switch my field going into grad school and how hard of a transition do you think it would be?

 

[CJSGrailKnigh]

I am unsure of American rules however I know for certain in Canada that a physics major skips over a few of the finer applications of say fluid mechanics or perhaps radar and communications loops. You will have to play catch up in certain fields like engineering software and ethics courses. Good news is your background in physics and math means your good for those courses. I would suggest seeing the department of mechanical or aerospace engineering academic adviser at your university.

Overall a switch is probably very possible and overall not very difficult. CAD and 3d solid modeling can be fun if a little trying at times.

 

[charng]

I can say that switching to astronautical engineering from a physics background is definitely possible. In fact, many successful astronautical engineers have come from a physics background. While you may not have taken any engineering classes in your undergraduate studies, your foundation in physics will provide you with a strong understanding of the principles and concepts that are crucial in astronautical engineering.

The transition may require some additional effort and hard work, as you will need to catch up on the engineering courses that you have not taken. However, with your strong background in physics, you will be able to grasp the engineering concepts quickly and apply them to your studies. Additionally, many graduate programs in astronautical engineering offer prerequisite courses for students coming from non-engineering backgrounds, so you will have the opportunity to fill in any knowledge gaps before diving into the core engineering coursework.

It is important to note that astronautical engineering is a highly specialized field, and it requires a strong understanding of both physics and engineering principles. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider your interests and strengths before making the switch. It may also be beneficial to speak with professionals or professors in the field to gain more insight and advice on the transition.

In conclusion, while the transition from physics to astronautical engineering may require some additional effort, it is definitely possible and has been done successfully by many in the past. With your strong background in physics and determination, I have no doubt that you can excel in this field. Best of luck in your future endeavors!