Physics Computer science in Astrophysics?

AI Thread Summary
Majoring in computer science with a specialization in software engineering alongside astrophysics offers a wide range of career opportunities. For those interested in astrophysics research, pursuing a PhD is essential, while a master's degree in computer science can enhance job prospects but is not strictly necessary for entering the industry. A strong coding ability combined with a solid background in astrophysics can lead to various academic and industry roles. If there is a genuine passion for physics, further education is advisable; otherwise, entering the workforce directly may be more beneficial. Transitioning fields after obtaining a PhD is generally discouraged unless there is a clear career path in mind.
insom89
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Computer science in Astrophysics??

HI,
I'm thinking of majoring in computer science specializing in software engineering, along with a major in astrophysics. My main focus is something in astrophysics (not sure yet), so I was wondering how important would it be get a Masters or PhD considering I want to work in the industry? Any thoughts, thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Great plan. If you do both comp sci and astrophys you'll have LOTS of options after your bachelors. If you want to pursue astrophysics research, yeah you're really going to need the PhD. As for comp sci (especially with physics background), that's really not the case; it would be doable to get into a good job/business/etc without a M.S./PhD (tho it would help).
 


insom89 said:
HI,
I'm thinking of majoring in computer science specializing in software engineering, along with a major in astrophysics. My main focus is something in astrophysics (not sure yet), so I was wondering how important would it be get a Masters or PhD considering I want to work in the industry? Any thoughts, thanks in advance.

If you really enjoy (read: really enjoy) physics, then you should think about a Ph.D. or an M.S. Either way, if you can code, and you have a solid astro background, there are a number of options open to you in academia, and a number of advisors who would be quick to pay you to do just that.

If you don't REALLY love physics, though, you're probably better off going right into industry. You shouldn't have too much of a problem with a double major in CS and Physics (which sounds like the direction in which you're heading).

If you REALLY love computer science, then I'm sure an M.S. will help you more than a Ph.D., depending on the type of job you want. I think it is a bad idea to get a Ph.D. in something with the intent to switch fields. If, for example, you want to work in Finance, getting a Ph.D. in physics (or economics, or statistics, or computer science, or finance, or ...) is one way to get there.
 
Last edited:


Wow thanks a lot guys wasn't expecting a reply so soon, but thank you for the advice, helps to clear the confusion.
 

Similar threads

Physics Should I apply to do an astrophysics PhD or stick with an engineering job?
Replies
28
Views
2K
Physics Are many Physics Students entering into Astrophysics?
Replies
12
Views
3K
Other Merging Astrophysics and Computer Science
Replies
9
Views
6K
Engineering Does an astrophysicist (PhD or post-doc) need computer engineering?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Physics From Software Engineering to Astrophysics Grad School
Replies
2
Views
2K
Physics Master's degree: Computational Science vs. Artificial Intelligence?
Replies
3
Views
3K
Engineering Astrophysics going on to Aerospace Engineering
Replies
4
Views
5K
Physics Looking to transition from data science to computational physics
Replies
3
Views
4K
Physics Opinions about a career path in quantum computing
Replies
11
Views
5K
Physics Can Computational Physicists Find Good Jobs In Industry?
Replies
18
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top