Astrophysics/Physics or Aerospace Engineering?

College Majors Science Majors
1

I’ve always been super interested in astrophysics and space in general. It’s my passion. Right now, I’ve been accepted to a few schools for aerospace engineering, but I’m strongly considering switching to astrophysics. I’ve taken engineering classes all through high school and I’m simply not feeling much passion for it.

I’ve been looking online, and I’ve kind of scared myself. It seems that astrophysicists struggle to find jobs outside of academia, but what I really would love to do is be involved in research. Money is also a concern.

I’d love to someday help conduct research on other planets, help in the search of life, “study” dark matter, or aid in the building or use of scientific tools like telescopes and such. One thing I’ve I’ve considered is doing a dual major in physics and astrophysics at Ohio State University, but I feel as though I simply need more information about the fields. Any suggestions?

2

Greetings and salutations! I too am a devoted and passionate amateur astrophysicist. Astrophysics is a quite unique and out-there (pun definitely intended) major. Personally, I have had a rather difficult time explaining to my father why I want to study this topic, and what I can do with a degree in it.

After thorough research, I concluded that it can be rather difficult to find a job outside of academia; but, that is okay! That is what being an astrophysicist is all about. Embrace the insatiable curiosity burning in your soul; reach for the stars!

In my search for schools, I looked for universities with a strong phyics background, but a sound astronomy program too. My plan is to also do a double major: first, in phyics; second, in astronomy. After which I plan to apply to graduate school to work towards a PhD in Astrophysics. This way, I can say I have a degree in two fields that are broader in scope than simply astrophysics.

It is worth noting that many people who study astronomy and physics can often find jobs in computer science, mathematics, engineering (though it can be boring to me), and other related fields. You are not restricted by your major(s), especially in STEM fields. Furthermore, many astronomers and astrophysicists tend to have side gigs like writing books, creating videos and tv shows etc.

Finally, money is a concern for everyone, as we all wish to be better off financially; but, money cannot buy true happiness, that comes from the heart. If your passion is learning about space and leading discoveries on that topic, then pursuing that major is worth it to you, even if your parents don’t understand your choice (like mine).

I wish you luck fellow human! Hope to see you among the stars someday!

Sincerely,
S. Beeching

P.S.

Information regarding astronomy as a career:
https://aas.org/careers

Information regarding astronomy as a major:
https://aas.org/learn/planning-your-education

3

Further information on employment statistics for Phyics and Astronomy majors:

https://www.aip.org/statistics

4

Physics majors have a very good employment rate with a BS but not necessarily doing physics. If you have a degree in astrophysics (rather than astronomy) you are able to access all the jobs that a physics major does (including engineering jobs). If you decide that your path is to pursue a Ph.D. then you can do that too.

5

@DiggyIguana You sound like my ds. He is in his last semester of UG and has been accepted to grad school for theoretical cosmology. (He wants to study dark matter…and that is where my understanding of what he wants to do ends. He has tried to explain it to me, but I really just don’t understand, so he told me to just focus on the dark matter. :wink: )

I can share that as an UG, he majored in physics and math, not astronomy, He used his UG yrs to explore multiple different areas in physics in order to make sure that this was the field he wanted to commit himself to studying for his PhD. He spent his UG yrs very dedicated to research in general (he started on-campus research as a freshman and completed 2 REUs.).

Enjoy the journey!!