Astrophysics or Planetary Science

[SpaceNerdz]

Astrophysics...or Planetary Science

Hi Guys,

I need some advice about Astrophysics and Planetary Science. I'm in Columbia U right now, freshman year intending to major in Astrophysics BA.


Recently, I found myself getting more and more interested in Solar Physics. I looked around grad schools ( it's a bit early, but still, why not ? ) and it seems as though Solar Physics would fall under the category and department of Planetary Science. I'm just wondering, if I continue towards my major in Astrophysics, could I later on 'switch' to Planetary Science for grad school to study Solar Physics, or should I just change major now ? What do grad schools in Planetary Science look for, and is it very different from Astrophysics ?

Any advice would be appreciated !

 

[TonyG]

Hi there,

As a scientist with a background in both astrophysics and planetary science, I can offer some insights into your dilemma. Both fields are incredibly fascinating and have a lot of overlap, so it's great that you're considering both options.

Firstly, it's important to understand that astrophysics and planetary science are not mutually exclusive. In fact, planetary science is a subfield of astrophysics that focuses on studying objects within our solar system, such as planets, moons, and asteroids. So if you continue with your major in astrophysics, you will still have the opportunity to study solar physics and other planetary topics.

That being said, if you are specifically interested in solar physics, it may be beneficial to switch your major to planetary science. This will allow you to take more specialized courses in solar physics and also have access to resources and faculty who are experts in the field. However, if you are more interested in other areas of astrophysics, then sticking with your current major may be the better choice.

As for graduate school, it is definitely possible to switch from astrophysics to planetary science for your graduate studies. Many graduate programs in planetary science will still consider applicants with a background in astrophysics, as long as they have relevant coursework and research experience in planetary topics. It's also worth noting that some graduate programs may have a joint astrophysics and planetary science program, which could be a great fit for your interests.

In terms of what graduate schools in planetary science look for, they will likely consider your coursework, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. Each program may have slightly different requirements, so it's important to research and reach out to faculty at your desired schools for more specific information.

Overall, my advice would be to continue with your major in astrophysics for now, but make sure to take courses and gain research experience in solar physics and other planetary topics. This will give you a strong foundation for pursuing a graduate degree in planetary science if you choose to do so. Best of luck in your studies!