Hi everyone, I’m just posting to see what everyone’s opinions are on something. It’s a question regarding what I should major in for a masters degree…
I’m currently an undergrad major in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering, however I’m also minoring in Physics. (Quick note: by “minoring in Physics” I mean I’m taking literally every physics class that a Physics major would take minus a couple labs. Couldn’t double major in 4 years due to additional gen eds from the college of arts and sciences) I’d like to go into fields like orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, celestial mechanics, etcetera, and will be taking classes soon in orbital mechanics, quantum mechanics, and the like.
My dilemma is this: should I go for a masters degree in Astronautical Engineering or in Astronomy/Astrophysics? I seem to be most interested in the overlap between these two degrees and I’m not sure which one would provide more in-depth information on the fields I listed above. I realize that these fields aren’t exactly the most popular in terms of job availability, but I don’t care too much about that at the moment. I’d just like to follow my passion; plus I’m currently an intern at NASA in propulsion but there’s a lot of potential for switching over into different areas including the aforementioned fields.
TL;DR
I’m interested in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, celestial mechanics, etcetera. Should I go for a masters in Astronautical Engineering or Astronomy/Astrophysics?
I just wanted to start off by stating that I am a high school student, and, while I don’t know a great deal about employment, etc. due to my age, I’ll try my best.
If you’re following your passion, it’s as easy as that. Imagine yourself crafting/improving aeronautical parts (the rudimentary jobs of an Aeronautical Engineer). Imagine yourself taking part in research in Astrophysics (If you can get that job, which is uncommon but of course possible). Where would you find yourself most happy?
Financially, you practically know exactly where you’re going in Astronautical Engineering or have a really strong idea of what you can expect. With Astrophysics or Physics in general, striving for research positions not only requires a PhD (if that’s what you’re searching for) but also is difficult to get from what I have heard. The Physics degree can also land you in many different job regions due to mathematical problem solving but it really depends on what you have in mind.
Only you can answer a question of where your passion lies. And if it’s equal in both,and you envision yourself equally happy doing either job, then I go to financial prosperity, etc.
P.S. I’m also planning to go into Physics next year for University. Any tips or things that you wish you would have done? And that NASA internship… My dream…
@Anubis13 Yeah, I’ve kind of been thinking that way for a while. The financial prosperity idea is what made me choose Aero & Astro Engineering as my undergrad major instead of doing Physics or Astronomy. Oh, and tips for university…if you’re not very good at studying, change that now rather than later. I was always one of the kids in high school who just understood things and never studied, even in ap classes…I wish I would’ve learned how to study then, rather than wasting time learning how to study now XD Also, NASA internship: almost every center has summer internships you can apply for. They usually become available to apply around a month in either direction from new year. Apply for one and see what happens! It’s very competitive (as is any internship) but it’s a great experience and can eventually lead to more internships/co-ops and a job.
@Ynotgo Yes, I’d say a good 2/3 to 3/4 have either a masters or PhD or both. Having one is indubitably going to make it easier to get a job in a field I’d want