<p>I am looking to major in computer science in college but my dream is to become an astronaut. Given the information on NASA's website, I am uncertain about whether a bachelor's in comp. sci would qualify for astronaut candidacy or not.</p>
<p>Info from NASA's website: </p>
<p>Basic requirements for a Mission Specialist include the following: </p>
<ol>
<li>Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. Degree must be followed by at least three years of related, progressively responsible, professional experience. An advanced degree is desirable and may be substituted for part or all of the experience requirement (master's degree = 1 year of experience, doctoral degree = 3 years of experience). Quality of academic preparation is important. </li>
</ol>
<p>Feedback would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>When we visited NASA several years ago the guide said it would take two skills to be included in a Mars mission (pilot and geologist, or computer scientist and doctor). With a small crew and extended mission time it is critical to have redundancy of skills in case something happens to one of the crew.</p>
<p>The latest class of 8 astronauts was selected from a pool of 6,000 applicants! I know the woman from Maine has INCREDIBLE stats. I read that she knew from a very early age that she wanted to be an astronaut, and worked non-stop to reach her goal.</p>
<p>“Jessica U. Meir, Ph.D., 35 is from Caribou, Maine. She is a graduate of Brown University, has an advanced degree from the International Space University, and earned her doctorate from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Meir currently is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.”</p>
<p>[NASA</a> - 2013 Astronaut Class](<a href=“http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html]NASA”>2013 Astronaut Class | NASA)</p>