Which Science Major Should I Choose for an Aerospace Engineering Degree?

[michojek]

Hi, I am currently studying Aerospace Engineering/Science (just finished my first year - 4 years to go :D)
and its finally coming to a point where I have to pick my Science major.

Right now for the Science part I am torn between Physics and Computer Science...
I really like them both, and even considered doing double degree + double major in science..
However since my degree is already 5 years it seems as though that isn't really plausible.

So, the question is which major should I pick, I would like some advice from these majors :S

I love Computer Science and Physics (but physics probably slightly more), however since the 'Aerospace Engineering' sector isn't so big in Australia, I thought a Computer Science degree would be good to fall back on + it is compliments well with my Aerospace degree..

Which raises another question, which major would compliment better with an Aerospace degree?

Also I've heard that usually people who major in Physics would do their PhD?

My goal is to one day work for Nasa/SpaceX or any other research sectors maybe large technology firm or government..

I know that most of you would say its my choice and that they aren't going to decide for me, however I have absolutely no experience in these career fields and would like to hear from both sides (Comp/Phys)

-Thanks =]

 

[member 428835]

so you are studying aerospace in addition to either physics or compsci??

 

[michojek]

Yep!

 

[HayleySarg]

Physics B.S's generally do continue onward to graduate school. In fact, it's kinda of "well if you're not going to grad school...what ARE you going to do?"

It's the expected norm, mostly because a B.S in physics doesn't qualify you for much of anything. Other than graduate school. It does greatly increase your analytic capabilities, as well as many other personal qualities, but it's not a direct path to any sort of job.

Someone can feel free to correct me, but for most IT/comp sci jobs, it's a "related" degree, not a degree. The HR person who reviews applications seeks the degree as a weed-out mechanism, and I'd hardly say a Physics/Aero double degree is ... lacking in rigor. If you can back up that you can DO the task you're applying for, you're probably not going to be overlooked simply because you didn't get the comp sci degree.

If comp sci is only your fall back plan, I'd suggest studying physics with a heavy emphasis in your spare time on learning and mastering IT interests that would compliment your ideal career path, but that are also capable of holding their own in a job market. I'd suggest programming, ideally. You'll need some level of programming knowledge anyways for physics (it really helps).

Also, physics will probably share more courses with the Engineering degree. Which makes life easier.

Cheers!

 

[Forensics]

Double majoring is a lot of work. Just make sure you realize just how much of a workload it really is.

I'm doing a double major and I have to take 7 to 10 classes a semester because of it.

I've heard of a woman taking 8 classes a semester at Harvard and doing well so its possible if you're smart enough and are truly willing to study and put the work in.

Don't expect to have a social life or sleep 8 hours every night, though. Finals week is a killer.

 

[member 428835]

i actually recommend doing the computer science alongside the aerospace. hayleysarg is totally correct that physics shares courses (especially thermodynamics and fluids, depending on your focus of course). i guess my question is, what are you doing that requires physics AND aerospace.

from a graduate student in mechanical engineering (almost identical to aerospace for my concentration) i have to say for me a background in computer science would have made life easier and more attractive to employers. talk to some engineers (im only a grad student) but i think theyll agree: get the computer science

 

[member 428835]

for what its worth, i double-majored and my degree in mathematics has been a HUGE help. just a thought if youre set on doubling.

 

[michojek]

great!
I've decided to do comp-sci with aerospace
thanks guys for ur replies!
:D

 

[Fran13245]

Hi I'm just wondering if you know what colleges offer double majors in aerospace and computer science because I'm interesting in doing that as well.