Employment Prospects of a BSc in Space Science

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A BSc in Space Science, focusing on orbital mechanics and space mission management, is increasingly recognized as a competitive degree. Graduates from such programs often find employment in industries related to space hardware and engineering, although many also pursue further education. It is crucial for prospective students to research the career trajectories of alumni and assess the job market for positions that align with their curriculum. Resources like _Physics Today_ can provide valuable insights into graduate outcomes and industry trends.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics
  • Familiarity with space mission management
  • Knowledge of broader physics principles
  • Research skills to analyze graduate outcomes
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate alumni career paths from your Space Science program
  • Explore job postings in the space industry to align your curriculum
  • Read _Physics Today_ for insights on employment statistics
  • Network with professionals in space hardware engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students pursuing a BSc in Space Science, recent graduates, and professionals considering a career shift into the space industry will benefit from this discussion.

CrunchBerries
Messages
58
Reaction score
8
Is a BSc in space science regarded as a valid/competitive degree? It looks like a relatively newer degree. I am currently in Space Science, which is a major in Pnysics with a focus on orbital mechanics and space mission management.

Basically I am just looking for an industry outlook/opinion on employment opportunity vs regular phys and eng degrees.

Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
One of the best ways to assess something like this is to look at graduates from your program. Where are they ending up? Are they all moving on to graduate programs? What industries and companies are they finding work in? What percentage of graduates struggle to find work after graduation? Most departments will keep statistics on these kinds of things.

In my personal experience, it's better not to specialize too much as an undergraduate. What doors are open to you as a graduate of this program that would not be open to a graduate of a typical honours physics program?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DEvens
I agree with Choppy. Since you're mentioning that it is new, then a good follow up approach would be to look at the jobs catching your attention and crosschecking your curriculum with it. I worked at one of the commercial companies that works on space hardware, but my degree was very broad and my breadth seemed really selling during the interview; other coworkers don't seem to have specialized degrees, but I am mostly guessing based on our conversations. Myself and the coworkers I speak of are engineers.
 
In case you are wondering how to find out where graduates wind up, as Choppy suggested. What you want is _Physics Today_ or some such magazine. They have a feature showing exactly this information. Find out from your university librarian what magazines exist in your particular area of study.
 
Thanks guys, i alpreciate your input. Ill inquire as suggested.

Thanks a lot!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Choppy

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
7K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K