Is an Engineering Educational background required for NASA Astronauts?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter GravityFoxx
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the educational requirements or preferences for NASA astronaut candidates, specifically focusing on the necessity of an engineering background versus other fields such as astrophysics, biology, and physics. The scope includes personal aspirations, career paths, and the implications of educational choices for aspiring astronauts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the prevalence of engineering degrees among astronauts and seeks clarification on any formal requirements for NASA astronaut candidates.
  • Another participant asserts that while an engineering background is not a requirement, it may be beneficial for candidates.
  • A further contribution analyzes the educational backgrounds of current astronaut candidates, noting a mix of aerospace engineers, biologists, medical doctors, and a physicist, suggesting a preference for degrees in aerospace engineering and life sciences, while stating that a degree in astrophysics does not disqualify a candidate but may present challenges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of an engineering background, with differing views on its importance and the implications for candidates from other educational backgrounds.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific astronaut biographies and selection trends, but there are no formal criteria provided by NASA in the discussion, leaving some assumptions about the selection process unaddressed.

GravityFoxx
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Hi I will be attending University in the fall to obtain a B.A degree in Astrophysics.

Ever since I was little, I've wanted to be an Astronaut and have loved space, and obviously, still do.

However, I'm a bit worried, it seems that every Astronaut has an engineering College Education.
What exactly if any engineering education is a requirement or extremely strong preference for NASA when selecting Astronaut candidates?

Also I should add that when I get out of University I have already planned on joining the Air Force, for pilot-in-command hours, so I have that covered already.
 
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No, they don't require an engineering background, but it would be helpful.
 
Back on topic, the biographies of the current set of ascans are at this page, http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/ascanbio.html. Of the nine, I count four aerospace engineers, three biologists/medical doctors, one systems engineer, and one with a masters in physics. IIRC, there have been a few astronomers and physicists among previous sets of ascans. Based on past selections, NASA definitely prefers degrees in aerospace engineering and the life sciences. Or both. A degree in astrophysics does not rule you out. It apparently does make it a bit tougher.
 
Off-topic discussions have been moved to [thread=403233]this thread[/thread].
 

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