Need help setting a career path for the Space industry

[jkoster09]

I'm sure this is all something you hear a lot on this message board but I'd like to say it nonetheless. The space industry and astronomy at large are some of the only things I've ever felt passion for. I'd like nothing more than to work in that industry. My current plan is to major in physics and engineering (of some kind), and then get a Phd. in physics. I'm not afraid of any amount of work, so long as it gives me the best chance to do what I want.

Is this a reasonable way to get to my goal? Is my goal in itself reasonable? What kind of engineering should I do in order to be best prepared for this field? Beyond being accredited and having a decent reputation, does school matter that much? I understand that you got to a separate school for your PhD., should I go to the local college which would be dirt cheap for me, then transfer somewhere more prestigious in terms of physics, or find two good schools? (I have the University of Texas at Austin in mind currently)

 

[axmls]

If your plan is to get a Ph.D in physics, then don't do a bachelor's degree in engineering (I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm saying it's easier to avoid switching fields).

School matters in the sense that if you want to get a Ph.D, you should have good access to undergraduate research and whatever classes you need. It doesn't hurt to have professors who are famous in the field, either (only if they can attest to your research potential, though!).

 

[jkoster09]

Sorry, I neglected to add that the idea of double majoring in physics and engineering. While the above advice still applies, I'd think that some kind of engineering expertise would be useful in this field. However, if this isn't true I'm not at all worried about it.