Study Astronomy: Astrophysics vs Teaching Career

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision between majoring in astrophysics or astronomy for a career in astronomy, as well as concerns about potential career paths, particularly in teaching. Participants explore the nature of these degrees and their implications for graduate studies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue astronomy instead of engineering and questions whether to major in astrophysics or astronomy, noting uncertainty about the existence of an astronomy major.
  • Another participant suggests that an undergraduate degree in physics is practical for graduate school in astronomy, indicating this is their own plan.
  • A third participant agrees that less specialization in undergraduate studies may be beneficial, mentioning that there is often little difference between astrophysics, astronomy, and standard physics degrees, all of which can lead to graduate school.
  • Questions are raised about the similarities between astrophysics and astronomy majors, specifically regarding course content.
  • A later reply asserts that both majors are essentially physics degrees, with the distinction between the terms "astronomy" and "astrophysics" being more about historical naming conventions than actual differences in course content.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that both astrophysics and astronomy majors are closely related to physics degrees, but there is some uncertainty about the specific differences between the two and their implications for career paths.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of consensus on the exact differences in course content between astrophysics and astronomy majors, as well as the potential career outcomes associated with each path.

renob
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Basically I've changed my mind about doing engineering and have decided to pursue my true passion, astronomy. My question is, do I major in astrophysics or astronomy? I am not sure if "astronomy" is a major. Also, will I be stuck teaching after all is done?
 
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If you want to go to grad school for astronomy then getting a undergrad degree in just plain old physics is just fine and perhaps more practical if for whatever reason you don't end up in grad school. This is what I am planning to do.
 
I agree that as far as undergraduate degrees go, less specialization is better. There are some schools that offer astrophysics and/or astronomy degrees, but there usually isn't that much difference between those and a "standard" physics degree where you take a few electives in astronomy-related topics, and either path should qualify you for graduate school.
 
are astrophysics and astronomy majors basically the same? do you for the most part take the same classes in both of these?
 
renob said:
are astrophysics and astronomy majors basically the same? do you for the most part take the same classes in both of these?
They are basically physics degrees. Wether they call the extra couple of astro courses astronomy or astrophysics mostly depends on the age of the course/institute.
If they have been teaching it since Newton were a lad they will call it astronomy, if they are trying to make their physics course sound cool they will call it astrophysics.

Astronomy and astrophysics are different but this doesn't relate to the course content
 

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