Can a Civil Engineering Student Pursue Astronomy or Astrophysics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of a Civil Engineering undergraduate pursuing a graduate degree in Astronomy or Astrophysics. Participants explore the pathways, challenges, and requirements involved in making such a transition, with a focus on educational qualifications and necessary coursework.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in Astronomy and Astrophysics but feels uncertain about how to pursue these fields given their background in Civil Engineering.
  • Some participants suggest that transitioning to a graduate program in Astronomy or Astrophysics may be challenging due to the lack of relevant qualifications from a Civil Engineering degree.
  • There is mention of the need to convince an astronomy or astrophysics program of one's qualifications, implying that additional coursework in physics may be necessary.
  • Another participant outlines a general pathway from Civil Engineering to becoming an astronomer, emphasizing the need for acceptance into a relevant program and the completion of a PhD.
  • Concerns are raised about the specific exams and requirements needed for admission to graduate programs in India, highlighting a perceived difference in the process compared to other countries.
  • Some participants express frustration with the responses given, indicating a desire for more specific guidance on the steps needed to transition into Astronomy or Astrophysics.
  • One participant suggests that changing majors to physics or astronomy might be the best option, recommending that the original poster look at the required classes for those majors to understand what is needed for graduate study.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of transitioning from Civil Engineering to Astronomy or Astrophysics. There are competing views on the necessary qualifications and the steps required to pursue graduate studies in these fields.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of specific exams for admission to graduate programs in India, but do not provide detailed information on what those exams are. There is also a lack of clarity regarding the exact qualifications needed to transition from Civil Engineering to Astronomy or Astrophysics.

Astro.padma
Messages
79
Reaction score
0
Hi...am pursuing B.tech 2nd yr in Civil Engineering from India. I am very much interested in Astronomy and Astrophysics. But as I am already into my engineering, I don't find any way for my interests. Can anyone help me with this?

Please let me know if a Civil Engineering under graduate can do Astronomy or Astrophysics courses either in India or abroad :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Most likely not. You wouldn't be considered qualified to do actual research with a CE degree. You might be able to enroll in a graduate program for astrophysics or astronomy, but again it's a long shot due to your background.
 
fss said:
You might be able to enroll in a graduate program for astrophysics or astronomy, but again it's a long shot due to your background.
Ya...that is what am asking about...Can I do my post graduation in Astronomy or astrophysics, being a CE UG?
 
pranathi said:
Can I do my post graduation in Astronomy or astrophysics, being a CE UG?

As I said, most likely not. It depends on if you can convince an astronomy/astrophysics program you are qualified.
 
Can you please go in brief regarding the courses am supposed to convince , as you said?
 
pranathi said:
Can you please go in brief regarding the courses am supposed to convince , as you said?

Look at any basic undergraduate physics program, ignore the courses you might have already taken. Those are the kinds of courses you'd need.
 
Am really confused and unable to make it out from your answer :frown:

Can you please state an exact way for a Civil engineering student to become either a theoretical or an observational Astronomer?

Is it possible if I do masters in physics after my UG?
 
pranathi said:
Can you please state an exact way for a Civil engineering student to become either a theoretical or an observational Astronomer?

Ok. Here is one (of many) "exact" ways to go from Civil engineering to a theoretical or observational Astronomer.

1) Apply to an astronomy (or more likely, physics program).
2) Get accepted.
3) Earn your PhD.
4) Done.

You are asking much to general a question for this board to help you. You are the only one in this conversation that knows your qualifications. I have tried to direct you to the proper resources to give you a better idea of where you might stack up in the applicant pool, but you seem to be unwilling to take two seconds to solve your own problem.

Please stop asking the same question over and over again. There is no definitive way to get from your point A to your desired point B.
 
fss said:
Ok. Here is one (of many) "exact" ways to go from Civil engineering to a theoretical or observational Astronomer.

1) Apply to an astronomy (or more likely, physics program).
2) Get accepted.
.

Let me say you one thing, Sir...Unlike in the case of most of the countries, in India we can't "get accepted" and in fact, we must take up some or the other exam,:frown: even to pass through the second stage, you have stated above. This is where, am getting stacked up for I don't know what are the "exact" exams I am supposed to take :mad:and that doesn't mean that I am unable to spend even the so called "2 seconds" of time.:frown:

Most of the times, I've seen people like you getting frustrated with the type of questions we ask and get a bit harsh. But please, many of the students like me, of age 17 have come here, having many hopes that this physics forum is the only place where we can get some or the other solution to our problems. We would be waiting hours to receive your answer at times and please don't narrow your answers, ignoring our silly doubts :frown:

Sorry if am a bit toooo descriptive but I really want to express this for heaven sake :smile:
 
  • #10
pranathi said:
Let me say you one thing, Sir...Unlike in the case of most of the countries, in India we can't "get accepted" and in fact, we must take up some or the other exam,:frown: even to pass through the second stage, you have stated above.

Right, sometimes "getting accepted" involves more than one step.

This is where, am getting stacked up for I don't know what are the "exact" exams I am supposed to take :mad:and that doesn't mean that I am unable to spend even the so called "2 seconds" of time.:frown:

...and since you didn't state specifically where you were looking to study, none of us knew either. Next time maybe you'll provide such highly relevant information so that people will be able to answer your question.

Furthermore, this point is more or less a nonissue as any institution advanced enough to offer an advanced degree will list what tests you need to take in order to be admitted. This information should not be difficult to find for anyone with the slightest inclination on how to use the internet.

We would be waiting hours to receive your answer at times and please don't narrow your answers, ignoring our silly doubts :frown:

If you are honestly spending hours clicking "refresh" on your browser waiting for an answer, I would suggest that your time is better spent doing... anything else. If you really plan on pursuing a physics degree, you should get into the habit of not relying on others to do your work for you.
 
  • #11
fss said:
If you really plan on pursuing a physics degree, you should get into the habit of not relying on others to do your work for you.
Sir... I am not relying on you for what I can do on my own and anyways...If you are that frustrated with my question, you shouldn't have replied me...anyways, thanks for your response. Bye :smile:
 
  • #12
You're best option is probably to change your major to physics or astronomy.

If you look at a list of the classes that physics and astronomy majors at your school are required to take, then that will tell you what classes you need to take to become an astronomy graduate student. It should be possible for you to find this list of classes.
 

Similar threads

Courses Masters in Civil Engineering with a Bachelor in general engineering
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Second Bachelor's Degree in Physics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Can an Electrical Engineering Degree Lead to a Career in Astronomy?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
How to get admission into Master's in Astronomy after electrical engineering
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
Physics knowledge advice for a Civil Engineering undergrad
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Interested in pursuing Physics, Robotics, Astronomy
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Admissions Curious about my grad school prospects
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Studying Interested in Astronomy as a Freshman
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Programs Difference between an astronomy and astrophysics PhD?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering for Aerospace?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K