- #1
MrElculver2424
- 42
- 3
I am currently a freshman at Penn State University. I have always been greatly interested in astronomy, space, and the universe. Especially cosmology and the "larger pictures" of our existence. I have decided that this is what I want to do with my life...study the universe, help discover new information, and work on future space projects and missions.
I am having a little trouble laying out my educational future to make sure I succeed in this career area. Like I said earlier, I am mostly interested in astronomy and cosmology and the "larger ideas" of the universe...more so than microscopic, small, highly mathematical calculations. However, I did take two years of Physics (and one year of basic Calculus) in high school so it's not like I haven't been exposed to the math. I just didn't enjoy it as much as my "Advanced Astronomy" class that I took in my junior year, which focused on large ideas like stars, solar systems, black holes, galaxies, the expansion of the universe, etc.
From the research I have done, I have learned that it will be necessary for me to obtain a PhD to have success in this career area. I am willing to do that.
But my main issue is this: What should I get my Bachelor's degree in?
Even though I am more interested than Astronomy than general Physics, I have been told that getting my Bachelor's in Physics is better because it will give me a better educational background for entering astronomy later on. They told me that I can always focus on Astronomy & Astrophysics in graduate school.
So I have ruled out Astronomy for my Bachelor's. I can get my PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics.
But now I am between this: Is it better for me to get my Bachelor's degree in Physics or Aerospace Engineering?
I have read that Bachelor's degrees Aerospace Engineering lead to slightly better pay right out of college versus Physics Bachelor's. However, I have also read that a Bachelor's in Physics will give you more job opportunities, because companies will hire Physics majors to work as Aerospace Engineers but won't hire Aerospace Engineer majors to work in Physics. Is this true?
What would be your advice to me? I want to end up working as an astronomer/astrophysicist/cosmologist for a space organization (such as NASA), or maybe even for a university, and help to plan and work on future space missions and projects.
What should I obtain my Bachelor's degree in?
I am having a little trouble laying out my educational future to make sure I succeed in this career area. Like I said earlier, I am mostly interested in astronomy and cosmology and the "larger ideas" of the universe...more so than microscopic, small, highly mathematical calculations. However, I did take two years of Physics (and one year of basic Calculus) in high school so it's not like I haven't been exposed to the math. I just didn't enjoy it as much as my "Advanced Astronomy" class that I took in my junior year, which focused on large ideas like stars, solar systems, black holes, galaxies, the expansion of the universe, etc.
From the research I have done, I have learned that it will be necessary for me to obtain a PhD to have success in this career area. I am willing to do that.
But my main issue is this: What should I get my Bachelor's degree in?
Even though I am more interested than Astronomy than general Physics, I have been told that getting my Bachelor's in Physics is better because it will give me a better educational background for entering astronomy later on. They told me that I can always focus on Astronomy & Astrophysics in graduate school.
So I have ruled out Astronomy for my Bachelor's. I can get my PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics.
But now I am between this: Is it better for me to get my Bachelor's degree in Physics or Aerospace Engineering?
I have read that Bachelor's degrees Aerospace Engineering lead to slightly better pay right out of college versus Physics Bachelor's. However, I have also read that a Bachelor's in Physics will give you more job opportunities, because companies will hire Physics majors to work as Aerospace Engineers but won't hire Aerospace Engineer majors to work in Physics. Is this true?
What would be your advice to me? I want to end up working as an astronomer/astrophysicist/cosmologist for a space organization (such as NASA), or maybe even for a university, and help to plan and work on future space missions and projects.
What should I obtain my Bachelor's degree in?