Programs Question about degrees and studies.

  • Thread starter Thread starter makesnosense
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Degrees Studies
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the pursuit of a career related to optics, imaging, and astronomy, particularly in the context of working with space imagery. A physics degree typically covers optics and astronomy, allowing for specialization in imaging. For those interested in building technology that explores space, aerospace engineering is recommended. The conversation also addresses concerns about job prospects and salary in the field of astronomy. While advanced positions, such as research roles, may require a PhD and offer a comfortable living, entry-level jobs with a bachelor's or master's degree often involve less glamorous tasks like data processing and instrument maintenance, with limited financial rewards. Electrical engineering is also mentioned as a viable path for those interested in optics and image processing.
makesnosense
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi, I'm wondering if there is such a study field which has to do with optics. meaning I've always wanted to work with stuff that looks into space and brings back images. Is this astronomy? or is there another thing. I'm really confused about everything since for now I'm just going to a community college my gpa is 3.9 and I'm having a hard time focusing what I want to pursue in the future. I'm really interested basically in optics, imaging, astronomy, the satellites and projects that bring back incredible images of outer-space. If I'm making any sense would someone explain any of these things if they have careers or degrees linked to them? thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
"work with stuff that looks into space and brings back images" <--- lols :D that's astronomy alright.

Most physics degrees will teach you some optics, astronomy and imaging. It is usually possible to specialise in the latter part of a degree.

If you're more interested in the idea of building things that fly, then you should look into aerospace engineering.

Bear in mind doing any of those things will require maths!
 
Another question I forgot to ask in the first post was.. is there any money in it if you graduate with a degree in astronomy? will you get to work with satellites and getting images? observatories and stuff? or is that all a dream and the reality is you'll be some boring space museum worker? I'm just asking this because the whole planet is in debt.
 
It depends on what degree you get. If you want to do research in the field, propose new instruments, you'd need a PhD in astronomy or physics. While the pay isn't fantastic and there aren't many jobs, if you do get a job you'd live comfortably and be hopefully doing what you love. But if you're only getting a bachelors or masters, you could work for observatories or labs but you'd be doing more grunt work - running telescopes, maintaining instruments, reducing data, writing code. It's certainly not going to make you rich either way.
 
Electrical engineering also does a lot of optics and image processing.
 

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Thread 'What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?'

Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
View full post »

Thread 'Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?'

I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
View full post »

Similar threads

Can I pursue an MS in astrophysics with a BS in studio art?
Replies
7
Views
1K
Programs Should I do a math or an astronomy double major for general relativity?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Studying How to self-study physics past High School Level?
3
Replies
102
Views
5K
Studying Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?
Replies
6
Views
130
Programs Second Bachelor's Degree in Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Can an Electrical Engineering Degree Lead to a Career in Astronomy?
Replies
13
Views
4K
Studying Need Help with Study Approach
Replies
10
Views
674
A question about second cycle studies
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Physics degree to med school? please help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Programs Trying to decide what program to study (physics or engineering)
Replies
13
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top