Astrophysicist Salary: Opportunities & Income

[chroot]

What does IB stand for ^.^...?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Baccalaureate

This is the college-prep program I went through. I got the diploma in 1997. It's an excellent program, and I was very well prepared for college... but again, there wasn't a single decision I made in high school that had any lasting effect whatsoever on my college education or career.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Baccalaureate

This is the college-prep program I went through. I got the diploma in 1997. It's an excellent program, and I was very well prepared for college... but again, there wasn't a single decision I made in high school that had any lasting effect whatsoever on my college education or career.

- Warren

In Canada, specially in the province of Quebec, high school ends after completing the 11th grade...I quit didnt understood the wikipedia text ^.^...should i take this program before getting in college...or when? my school doesn't offer this...would appreciate if you can give me more info/tips...

Thanks.

 

[chroot]

thinkies,

Here's what you need to do:

1) Identify the most sophisticated classes that your high school offers, in math and science in particular.
2) Take them.
3) Do well in them.

That's all.

- Warren

 

[BioCore]

No Biology is all about memorizing and understanding facts and concepts. This is why I love Biology more than Chem and Physics. Although Organic Chem ain't too bad! But yeah don't worry about the brain hemorrhage lol.

 

[thinkies]

No Biology is all about memorizing and understanding facts and concepts. This is why I love Biology more than Chem and Physics. Although Organic Chem ain't too bad! But yeah don't worry about the brain hemorrhage lol.

There are certain things to memorize, obvious...but what i was trying to say that i am good at understand it too. As of of now we are learning the lymphatic system in science class...and we had a test, practically everyone failed, except 2-3 students..but hey, i passed with 92% xD...

And...now,getting to back to some sirious stuff, what do you think about internal medicine...is it relatively easy compare to other fields?
Do you know any better fields (excluding surgery stuff...=.=,i hate them)

Thanks!

 

[thinkies]

and master degree is fairly a good degree right?...i mean it pays of something in 6 digits xxx xxx $ =.=...in medicine of course.

 

[chroot]

And...now,getting to back to some sirious stuff, what is an MD? is it like having a master degree in some field of medicine?

It's a medical doctorate. It's not a master's of anything. It's the general medical education every medical doctor receives, before beginning internship and residency. Medical school is generally a four-year program, and generally must be done after completing an undergraduate degree. Upon graduating from medical school, one becomes an MD, but is not yet licensed to practice medicine. An exam must be taken to obtain a license to practice medicine, and the exam varies by locality. During internship, which generally lasts one year, new MDs are put through a rotation to get experience with different specialties. After internship comes residency, which can last as many as seven years. At this point the new doctors are paid, full-fledged doctors, but are still receiving "on the job" training. The work of residents is managed and reviewed by more senior doctors, and they are given gradually increasing responsibility as they learn. Surgical specialties often have the longest residencies.

And what do you think about internal medicine...is it relatively easy compare to other fields?
Do you know any better fields (excluding surgery stuff...=.=,i hate them)

The easiest specialty is that which you enjoy most. Many specialties involve little or no surgery. Neurology, cardiology, etc.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

and master degree is fairly a good degree right?...i mean it pays of something in 6 digits xxx xxx $ =.=...in medicine of course.

There is no "master's of medicine." You can get a master's in various kinds of biology which might have medical applications -- your work may even be used by doctors -- but you cannot practice medicine without an MD (and without passing the boards).

Master's degrees indicate no particular salary. Someone with a master's in electrical engineering (note the spelling -- it's not a "master degree," it's a "master's degree") will probably make more than someone with a master's in french poetry.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

There is no "master's of medicine." You can get a master's in various kinds of biology which might have medical applications -- your work may even be used by doctors -- but you cannot practice medicine without an MD.

- Warren

Oh...cool
So that would mean an MD is basically a Ph.D type?

 

[chroot]

No, an MD is a medical doctorate. A Ph.D. is a doctorate in "philosophy," which loosely includes most kinds of science and humanities. They each represent roughly the same level of education, but they are distinct and not interchangeable at all. They can also differ in time invested. Medical school generally takes four years, but some kinds of Ph.D.s can take seven or more years to complete. There are other kinds of doctorates, too. One can also obtain a Juris Doctor (JD), after graduating from law school, for example.

- Warren

 

[BioCore]

simple put thinkies, MD (Medical Doctorate) is just a general program with classes and then at the end practical experience. PhD. as an actual research program where you make a thesis that you will prove or disprove in certain times.

 

[thinkies]

Chroot, thanks a bunch for those multiple answers you are providing, very useful, thanks a bunch. Hmm now, what do you think of aerospace medicine? Is it a good field,beside its relevant with space and medicine...can i get a master degree in that with a ph.d degree in astronomy/astrophysics? does that sound good...?

 

[thinkies]

simple put thinkies, MD (Medical Doctorate) is just a general program with classes and then at the end practical experience. PhD. as an actual research program where you make a thesis that you will prove or disprove in certain times.

Thanks, also, what are your thoughts regarding aerospace medicine?

Thanks ;)

 

[thinkies]

also, what about his salary( aerospace medicine specialist)?? xxx xxx $ :P?
IM *not* being greedy...but hey, i want a to have a flexible life in future...u know ...o.0

 

[chroot]

Chroot, thanks a bunch for those multiple answers you are providing, very useful, thanks a bunch. Hmm now, what do you think of aerospace medicine? Is it a good field,beside its relevant with space and medicine...can i get a master degree in that with a ph.d degree in astronomy/astrophysics? does that sound good...?

No, it doesn't sound good. I'd say (as I've said about ten times already) that you're far too young to be trying to figure out your educational career for the next two decades. You don't even know what the degrees are, much less whether or not you can or will obtain them. Chill out. You've got three years of high school left, so concentrate on them.

And no, you generally cannot obtain a master's degree in one field and then obtain a Ph.D. in another, unless the fields are exceptionally closely related. You're not going to be able to go from medicine to astrophysics, no matter how smart you are -- it just isn't possible. You seem to be drastically underestimating the amount of education that goes into being a practicing doctor, or a professional astrophysicst. Each of those careers require something like 10 years of highly specialized education. If you want both degrees, you will probably need to spend twenty or more years in a university, not making a dime. Since you seem so highly motivated by money, it doesn't sound reasonable at all.

You should also realize that in the physical sciences, a master's degree is often given as a "consolation prize." In other words, everyone attempts to obtain a Ph.D., and if you fail for some reason, you're kicked out and given a master's. If you decide to pursue astrophysics, you will need to pursue it whole-heartedly, starting in the later years of your undergraduate degree.

You will almost assuredly have to abandon these wacky ideas about obtaining multiple degrees in totally disparate fields. It isn't a menu -- you don't just go to a university and order a master's in one thing, an MD, and then top it off with a Ph.D. in astrophysics.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

also, what about his salary( aerospace medicine specialist)?? xxx xxx $ :P?
IM *not* being greedy...but hey, i want a to have a flexible life in future...u know ...o.0

Aerospace medicine is still just a branch of medicine. You'll need to attend medical school, and pass the licensing exam. You'll probably make a fine salary, but I'd venture it's a pretty small field.

- Warren

 

[BioCore]

I am not sure what aerospace medicine exactly is or how good the industry is doing so won't be of much help. But you should really just take a break and relax a bit, believe me when you get int University a lot of your high school perceptions and ideas will be challenged.

I have friends who constantly talked about going into Medical school, now after their first year is almost over they are thinking of doing pharmacy, some are thinking of actually going into a different field such as chemistry.

 

[thinkies]

No, it doesn't sound good. I'd say (as I've said about ten times already) that you're far too young to be trying to figure out your educational career for the next two decades. You don't even know what the degrees are, much less whether or not you can or will obtain them. Chill out. You've got three years of high school left, so concentrate on them.

And no, you generally cannot obtain a master's degree in one field and then obtain a Ph.D. in another, unless the fields are exceptionally closely related. You're not going to be able to go from medicine to astrophysics, no matter how smart you are -- it just isn't possible. You seem to be drastically underestimating the amount of education that goes into being a practicing doctor, or a professional astrophysicst. Each of those careers require something like 10 years of highly specialized education. If you want both degrees, you will probably need to spend twenty or more years in a university, not making a dime. Since you seem so highly motivated by money, it doesn't sound reasonable at all.

You should also realize that in the physical sciences, a master's degree is often given as a "consolation prize." In other words, everyone attempts to obtain a Ph.D., and if you fail for some reason, you're kicked out and given a master's. If you decide to pursue astrophysics, you will need to pursue it whole-heartedly, starting in the later years of your undergraduate degree.

You will almost assuredly have to abandon these wacky ideas about obtaining multiple degrees in totally disparate fields. It isn't a menu -- you don't just go to a university and order a master's in one thing, an MD, and then top it off with a Ph.D. in astrophysics.

- Warren

Well, I am happy to clear those many misconceptions i had...also $ is NOT MUCH of a motivatin, neither my top-commitment...

1 last questions...=.=,hopefully, is radiology related with physics? if so,as you mentioned,if those 2 fields are closely related, i will be able to get a master degree in radiology and a phd in astronomy/astrophysics...?i can end up with those degrees the same time by having classes in those fields everyday (starting from college or w/e).
And i hope your not frustrated from my questions...though it seems like you are :(...

Thanks a bunch!

 

[chroot]

Well, I am happy to clear those many misconceptions i had...also $ is NOT MUCH of a motivatin, neither my top-commitment...

Then stop asking about it.

1 last questions...=.=,hopefully, is radiology related with physics? if so,as you mentioned,if those 2 fields are closely related,

They are not closely related at all.

i will be able to get a master degree in radiology and a phd in astronomy/astrophysics...?

A radiologist is a medical doctor who has specialized in radiology. It requires an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, internship, and residency -- perhaps a total of ten to twelve years of total training. A radiologic technologist, a person who simply takes the pictures, is a relatively low-skilled profession that generally requires only a few years of training, and may not even require an undergraduate degree in some localities.

As I have said multiple times, the only way to become an astrophysicist is to obtain an undergraduate education in physics, and then attend a Ph.D. program. This is, again, ten to twelve years of total education.

THEY ARE NOT RELATED, AND DO NOT OVERLAP, IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER. PERIOD.

i can end up with those degrees the same time by having classes in those fields everyday (starting from college or w/e).

You cannot do both at once. Your only hope is to do one after the other, spending approximately 20 years in school.

And i hope your not frustrated from my questions...though it seems like you are :(...

I am frustrated, because you appear to not be reading my responses at all. I keep saying the same things, over and over and over again.

- Warren

 

[Vid]

There are programs in medical physics (LSU has one for BS, MS, and Ph.D levels,) but it still doesn't make you a doctor. It just makes you a physicist who mainly does research in nuclear science with attention to medical applications.

 

[thinkies]

@chroot

Thanks for those information/tips and of course your time that you provided to answer my questions.

To hell medicine.

I will be far better in astronomy...i'll just aim 1 degree (a ph.d of course) :)

Now then, since i am keen to work as an astronomer...i was wondering how good am i going to do in this job by 2022. As of now, positions for astronomer are verry tight! Will it be the case by then (2022)?

And some websites refer that to become an astronomer, you should do a Ph.D in astronomy *OR* physics.

Does that mean doing a Ph.D. in physics will be equivalent to a Ph.D. in astronomy?

 

[chroot]

Astronomy and astrophysics are distinct professions. One is focused on the building of instruments and the acquisition of data, while the other is more theoretical. The degrees are distinct, too.

Think for a minute -- if the degrees were equivalent, why would they offer both?

- Warren

 

[cristo]

Now then, since i am keen to work as an astronomer...i was wondering how good am i going to do in this job by 2022. As of now, positions for astronomer are verry tight! Will it be the case by then (2022)?

If only I knew the answer to that! But yes, there aren't all the many jobs around at the moment. However, note that an astronomer and an astrophysicist are different people: one does more observing, whereas one does more maths! I hope that the number of jobs in science will increase in the next few years, but I can't say that it will!

And some websites refer that to become an astronomer, you should do a Ph.D in astronomy *OR* physics.

Does that mean doing a Ph.D. in physics will be equivalent to a Ph.D. in astronomy?

Well, chroot's already answered this one: the degrees aren't equivalent in that you study different things, however the different websites probably say different things since sometimes a PhD in Astrophysics may have an official title PhD in physics, whereas other times it may have the official title PhD in Astronomy.

I'd also echo chroot's advice of not trying to decide what you want to do ten years down the line, now. It's brilliant that you're interested in Astronomy now but instead of trying to plan the future, why not join an Astronomy club, or set one up in your school, and enjoy the subject. Ok, I don't know whether you've done this already or not, but what I'm trying to say is that you should take advantage of the fact that you enjoy something now, and not try to project this into the future: it will be completely normal for your ambitions to change and it would be a shame if you spent your younger days worrying about what you would do about your current love for astronomy, in the future!

 

[thinkies]

Astronomy and astrophysics are distinct professions. One is focused on the building of instruments and the acquisition of data, while the other is more theoretical. The degrees are distinct, too.

Think for a minute -- if the degrees were equivalent, why would they offer both?

- Warren

Thanks. Which one is theoretical? Astronomy?

 

[thinkies]

@ Cristo

Thanks for the reply/advice. Much appreciated...And I am already in an astronomy club...but most of the members have pretty much basic knowledge whereas I am aiming things beyond (at least things that are comprehensible to me),,,

Once again,thanks.

 

[chroot]

Astronomy is largely experimental. Astrophysics is largely theoretical.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

Astronomy is largely experimental. Astrophysics is largely theoretical.

- Warren

Few days ago, I asked someone the difference between astrophysicist and an astronomer, the person responded that nowadays they practically study the same field and do much of a same work...Is that true..

What field would be studying star formation, galaxies stuff, cosmology, dark matter/dark energy and other stuff related with space (dark holes,etc)...? So..can we say that astrophysics and astronomy will view some stuff, but as you said above, astrophysic will tend to be theory while astronomy will tend to be experiments...?

Also,what kind of theories are viewed by astrophysicist? They evaluate existing theories?? Do they carry research...for example researching on the existence of dark matter? Or does this task belong to astronomer?..

Thanks!

P.S.: Sorry again for bumping this thread~ :(...

 

[chroot]

Astronomers are principally concerned with the design of telescopes and instruments, and the observation of astronomical objects to obtain better-quality data sets. Astrophysicists are principally concerned with the models which we use to explain phenomena like stellar evolution, galaxy formation, etc. There is indeed a lot of overlap, since the fields are interdependent.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

Astronomers are principally concerned with the design of telescopes and instruments, and the observation of astronomical objects to obtain better-quality data sets. Astrophysicists are principally concerned with the models which we use to explain phenomena like stellar evolution, galaxy formation, etc. There is indeed a lot of overlap, since the fields are interdependent.

- Warren

So let's say if i was to have a ph.d in astrophysics, can i be somewhat illegible to work as an astronomer and vice-versa...they both aim ph.d in physics...

 

[thinkies]

http://www.schoolsintheusa.com/careerprofiles_details.cfm?carId=349

the above website states that even astronomer study star formation,etc (the stuff you mentioned for an astrophysicist)...

 

[thinkies]

And you have wikipedia's satement...

"Historically, astronomy was more concerned with the classification and description of phenomena in the sky, while astrophysics attempted to explain these phenomena and the differences between them using physical laws. Today, that distinction has mostly disappeared."

 

[chroot]

Again, they're studying the same objects and phenomena. One is more oriented towards using instruments and gathering data, while the other is more concerned with the modeling and underlying physical mechanisms.

It's like saying that both neurologists and neurosurgeons are concerned with disorders of the brain. Yes, that's true, but they have very different approaches.

- Warren

 

[Riogho]

enjoy what you do for a living because most likely you will be doing it for a long time. I would rather make decent money($70,000) and like what I do than make $300,000 and absolutely hate what I do.

Actually, I'd do what I hated to do for about 5 years then quit and live the rest of my life on my 1.5 million bucks :D

 

[chroot]

"Historically, astronomy was more concerned with the classification and description of phenomena in the sky, while astrophysics attempted to explain these phenomena and the differences between them using physical laws. Today, that distinction has mostly disappeared."

That seems to be exactly what I've said three times now.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

Thanks chroot. On the brighter side,...it seems like astronomer make kinda bit more then astrophysicist... and their 'approach' is quit not though,where as the other one deals with models,extreme math equations(though both deal with math for sure...)...

Thanks again.

 

[thinkies]

Actually, I'd do what I hated to do for about 5 years then quit and live the rest of my life on my 1.5 million bucks :D

You definitely won't have much to spend your rest of your life with a 1.5 million ... =.=...
Plus, why don't you substract the cost of insurance you'll pay for the 1.5 million...o.0?!?...

 

[thinkies]

That seems to be exactly what I've said three times now.

- Warren

Um hey...^.^ here i am once more to disturb you...sorry

But for a question i posted earlier, is it possible that i can work as an astronomer with a astrophysics ph.d and vice-versa...??

 

[chroot]

But for a question i posted earlier, is it possible that i can work as an astronomer with a astrophysics ph.d and vice-versa...??

I'd imagine so, but I am neither an astronomer nor an astrophysicist. We have other members here who are, so perhaps they can chime in.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

Thanks for "numerous' answers you provided...

Weird that no astronomer/astrophysicist came to answer my thread :(...

 

[rudinreader]

Weird that no astronomer/astrophysicist came to answer my thread :(...

But no astronauts answered your thread either when you said you were interested in "Aerospace Medicine".

Astrophysics should not even be a vocabulary word for you. You should be more worried about manipulating vectors, and Newton's laws, and calculus. If you were worried about that, you would definitely find people on PF to discuss (not necessarily astronauts or medical doctors).

If you master the basics of physics and calculus, only then will a physicist be appropriate for telling you what comes next.

Anyways the economics of physics is not just about money: it's hard. A lot of people decide not to study physics because it's "too hard". That's why you have to be grounded in the basics of physics before a physicist can give you better career advice than a janitor..

 

[Sariel]

You should also realize that in the physical sciences, a master's degree is often given as a "consolation prize." In other words, everyone attempts to obtain a Ph.D., and if you fail for some reason, you're kicked out and given a master's. If you decide to pursue astrophysics, you will need to pursue it whole-heartedly, starting in the later years of your undergraduate degree.

I feel I should note that in Canada, most PhD programs require a Masters for admission. The Masters is usually only a couple years, and can be course or research based, while the PhD is longer and a thesis is required.

 

[Stingray]

So let's say if i was to have a ph.d in astrophysics, can i be somewhat illegible to work as an astronomer and vice-versa...they both aim ph.d in physics...

Depending on the university, exactly the same work could lead to degrees in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics. Some European universities even put certain types of theoretical astrophysicists in their math departments. There are many specialties where the specific writing on your diploma depends more on administrative details than anything else.

But probably more importantly, no two Ph.D.'s are the same. The things learned by two people with the same degree from the same university could be very different. There is some minimal overlap in that everyone takes the same basic courses. But then there are electives and research. A Ph.D. is primarily a research degree, and the precise nature of this varies enormously. The point is that you pick a specialty and work in that. After graduating, you usually apply for a postdoc (temporary research or intern-type) position in a similar field. You're hired on the basis of original work produced in graduate school. It is extremely rare that you'll find a position which has no particular qualification other than having a Ph.D. in astronomy.

Regardless, I agree with Chroot and others that this discussion isn't very productive. You don't know enough about any of the subjects you've brought up to really know if you'd enjoy them professionally. You also don't know if you have the skill or patience for them. Things should become clearer once you've learned more. An English course might also be helpful at this point.

 

[thinkies]

But no astronauts answered your thread either when you said you were interested in "Aerospace Medicine".

Why *would* an astronaut come to answer my thread for something related with Aerospace Medicine? They are different fields...^.^

 

[BioCore]

I feel I should note that in Canada, most PhD programs require a Masters for admission. The Masters is usually only a couple years, and can be course or research based, while the PhD is longer and a thesis is required.

Not really, from what I have read and heard from other graduates there are two options. Some schools for example McMaster has this as almost as a program choice option to anyone who would like to do it and has an all around 3.50 CGPA I believe that was the grade. On the other hand universities like UofT don't do this always but they will allow it only if you can prove that you are able to and have a CGPA of 3.70!

Not too sure about how other schools do it.

 

[SuperStringboy]

My mental condition is same to you friend. I am undergraduate student student of physics mejor. Yesterday i have found a great solution. Thats get married with a doctor or engr or lawyer . I think that's a great option for us. You will not earn too much but your partner will. Life will b easier.

 

[Gib Z]

My Careers adviser once asked me If I would prefer to get paid $10,000 a day, I just had to sit in a silent room all day - or Get paid $100 a day to do what you love. He said any person who was not morbidly money-driven would choose the latter. Money isn't always the most important factor.

 

[Defennder]

What job is it that allows you to sit in a silent room all day for $10,000?

 

[PowerIso]

I'm sure you can find a typical job that will pay you 3 million dollars...

 

[Asphodel]

My Careers adviser once asked me If I would prefer to get paid $10,000 a day, I just had to sit in a silent room all day - or Get paid $100 a day to do what you love. He said any person who was not morbidly money-driven would choose the latter. Money isn't always the most important factor.

Anyone that doesn't suck at math would choose the $10,000 a day, bring some books, and leave after a year (+/- depending on when you get done with the books...there are a *lot* of books...) with about as much money as a physicist makes in a lifetime.

There's something to be said for doing what you love, *and* not having to worry about where the money to fund your lab is coming from.

 

[_Mayday_]

Firstly let me say I haven't been to university or had a proper job, but I can tell you from what I have heard, the worst mistake you can make is pursue a career only for the money. Money does not act as a motivator, it is the job prospects and self achievment that usually motivates. You would have to be earning a huge amount to do a full time job that you hated and still feel motivated. Salary is not a motivator.