Hi
So I am a highs school senior and was thinking about majoring in astronomy. I have not heard many people who have actually done that major. Some said that 4-year astronomy is a waste, and you got to do a PhD. in astronomy or astrophysics to be in a good field of astronomy.
Another major that has caught my eye is a computer science and astronomy. It is just one major and I feel like taking that major will leave me with more options?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
What are your goals? I agree with the comments that astronomy as an UG major is very limiting. You could major in physics and take astronomy courses as your elective focus and leave yourself with more options.
My goals would be to work in some space agency, maybe NASA, SpaceX, or do research for some university.
My mind is swaying towards CS as I feel like it is more widely used. And the AP CS class in my high school is pretty interesting and challenging too.
Are you planning on graduate school? Astronomy (or physics since astronomy is a branch of physics) research is going to require a PhD. Physics research does require a lot of programming, though. If you like both, you might be able to combine both. It is doubtful you will find employment at those companies doing what you want with just a bachelor’s. CS is a different beast than physics in terms of employment and advanced degrees.
Have you spent time researching careers and degree requirements for both? I would start there and look at 4 yr course sequences at the schools you are considering. Are you strong in math? Physics is math intense.