<p>I'm currently a computer science major and I'm enjoying my programming classes. However, the voice in the back head keeps asking me if I'll enjoy doing this for the rest of my life. I've been giving a lot of thought to switching majors to astrophysics. It's a field that fascinates me. In fact, space fascinates me. Astrophysics is something I know I'd enjoy for the rest of life. However, I'm worried about employment opportunity in astrophysics. I'm really confused about what I should do. Any advice.</p>
<p>If you hope to get a career in astronomy/astrophysics, you WILL need a PhD to even have the chances.</p>
<p>There are very , very, very very few jobs for BS majors in astrophysics.</p>
<p>Even with the PhD, faculty positions are very limited in astronomy. 50+ applicants may apply for the same position, so you can get idea of your competitiveness.</p>
<p>If you would like to go into academia for astronomy or astrophysics, get your BS in physics. Not only does physics have fairly good job prospects, it better prepares you for astronomy graduate school than an astronomy/astrophysics major would. Most astronomy grad students obtained their bachelor’s in physics. </p>
<p>Take a few astro classes… see what you think. But just know if you ever want to have a career in such a field, you’re going to need a PhD. If you do want to go into grad school for this, it’s imperative you get good grades and find undergrad research opportunities.</p>
<p>On the other hand, computer science is one of the best majors in terms of job prospects, so if you are enjoying that and you sincerely are concerned about your future job, it’d be something good to stick to. In a field like this, you have to truly love what you are doing - the prospect of going to the fullest extent of what you can do with something without any guaranteed compensation.</p>
<p>Try asking this on Physics Forums. A lot of people there are Physics PhDs and very familiar with the job market.</p>