I want to be an Astrophysics professor

[TJG]

This has been something I have wanted to do for a long time, but have never really pursued it. I have taken some courses randomly, but nothing applicable to the degrees I need to get there I am positive. So basically my question is where do I start this very long journey??

 

[Pengwuino]

Step 1: PhD in Astrophysics.

 

[micromass]

Step 1a: take some calculus and basic physics classes.

 

[TJG]

HAha well yeah I figured that. If that is step one I guess I was looking for 1.1.1 of step one.

 

[micromass]

Step 1.1.1 Buy "Calculus" by Spivak and read it all
Step 1.1.2 Buy "Physics for engineers and scientists" and read it all

Come back once you did that

And why is this posted in the general math forums??

 

[Pengwuino]

If you've taken "some courses randomly", you sound like you're in college already. Therefore, you must have an idea as to how to become an astrophysics professor. What question do you REALLY want to ask?

 

[TJG]

Thanks, I check out those books. I figured I would probably need to look into what courses are required to receive a BS in mathematic or something along those lines.

I just took a few at a community college, but the professors there just handed out some worksheets and didn't really teach anything so I just quit going.

 

[Angry Citizen]

I figured I would probably need to look into what courses are required to receive a BS in mathematic or something along those lines.

Physics instead. Mathematics degrees leads to mathematician professorships, not astrophysics professorships. My advice: Enroll in a college of your choice as a freshman physics student and try to enjoy yourself for the next two decades.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Well, attending the classes that you registered for would be a good start.

 

[HeLiXe]

I just took a few at a community college, but the professors there just handed out some worksheets and didn't really teach anything so I just quit going.

This sounds like me in high school :) My advice would be to go to classes like Vanadium said and do EVERYTHING for every class and do it to the best of your ability as much as you can...even the stupid assignments. Study interesting things aside from what you are learning as well. Read the "So you want to be a physicist" series by ZapperZ, because it really explains things in detail as it pertains to obtaining degrees in physics. I'll get the link and post it here for you.

Here is the link!
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=240792

 

[eri]

OK, I'll see if I can be more helpful.

1. Earn a bachelors degree. A physics major is best, astronomy double major or minor is good but not necessary. You'll need a lot of math, and a programming course or two is very useful. Spend your summers doing research at your college or others (look up REU programs) to get experience for grad school and to make sure you really want to do research for the rest of your life, because professors do a lot of research.

2. Enroll in a PhD program and earn a masters en route. Drop out rate is about 50%. A PhD in physics is the best way to go if you can study astrophysics for it; it's a lot more employable than an astronomy or astrophysics degree.

3. 1-6 years in postdoc; a temporary (1-5 year) research position where you try to publish as much as possible and build up your collaborations.

4. Apply for faculty positions. About a 20% chance of getting one.

5. Either work 60+ hours a week for the next 5-10 years to earn tenure or leave the field to make far more money in industry.

 

[HeLiXe]

Step 1.1.2 Buy "Physics for engineers and scientists" and read it all

Serway/ Jewett?