<p>I want to become an astrophysicist one day. However, some schools don't offer an astrophysics major, so I was wondering if it would be better to major in astronomy, physics, or double major in those two(assuming the school doesn't have an actual astrophysics major).</p>
<p>Yes, majoring in physics is an ideal route. In fact, I would suggest majoring in physics (with astronomy electives) even if astrophysics were an option. With an astrophysics degree, you are pigeonholing yourself into one very specific career route. Physics on the other hand can allow you to keep your options open for much longer while you’re an undergrad. With a physics degree, you can go to graduate school in astronomy/astrophysics, planetary physics, geophysics, engineering, computer science, applied math, biophysics and many many other things. Don’t close any doors sooner than you have to.</p>
<p>Thank you that’s very helpful, which school is best, then, for that area?</p>
<p>Majoring in physics is the way to go. Take astronomy electives if they are offered. Many schools offer a physics degree with an astrophysics concentration. For astrophysics, grad school is going to be more crucial for actually preparing you to go into astrophysics. As the poster above said, getting a degree in physics can be a better plan than getting an undergrad degree in astrophysics in many cases, because it gives you a more solid foundation in the underlying principles, and offers more potential paths.</p>
<p>Theoretical astrophysics is my aspiration too, and I’m a physics major right now. I’m planning on transferring out of my CC to UIUC, to double major in physics and math. They offer a physics major with an astrophysics concentration, which basically amounts to a minor in astronomy on top of the physics courses. </p>
<p>What school is best? That depends on a lot of factors. Are you limited to a certain area? Is financial aid a concern? Stats/GPA/test scores are a major factor in what schools you can go to.</p>
<p>Some great schools for astrophysics are Caltech, Berkeley, UChicago, MIT, UIUC, Stanford…and many others.</p>
<p>There are rarely B.S. degrees in astrophysics. As for your question about which schools are best, it really does not matter too much. The physics curriculum in any research-oriented university is more or less the same and there are opportunities to do research. For non-research institutions, the curriculum is also the same and students can go to excellent graduate programs. Occasionally, smaller universities cannot offer full year sequences of upper level Mechanics, Electrodynamics or Quantum Mechanics and so your preparation is not quite as thorough.</p>
<p>Where you really care about the “best” school is for your graduate program. Make sure that you do all the things necessary to prepare yourself well for entering a competitive Ph.D. program. That includes taking a rigorous curriculum and getting research experience.</p>