<p>So I am just unable to decide at which major to go for. I am a junior at a UC and I transferred for aerospace engineering, but my interest lies in astrophysics. I have always had the dream of becoming an astronaut and have gotten into aero engineering and don't want to give up this far into my career. The problem is that I am more interested in Astrophysics and the bios for the majority of astronauts show that they are all engineers especially aerospace. So I wanted to know whether I should follow my passion for astrophysics or go with aerospace engineering which might have more chances for becoming an astronaut.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure you can still be an astronaut if you do astrophysics. I don’t think there’s a specific major requirement. Although, I think being in the military would help (don’t quote me on that though but I’ve seen that it would help)</p>
<p>Also you can look at this: [NASA</a> - Astronaut Requirements](<a href=“http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_Astronaut_Requirements.html]NASA”>Astronaut Requirements | NASA)</p>
<p>You’ll want to be a science/engineering PhD, MD, or military pilot. Being a strong athlete is a very strong plus. Scuba certification is also a good idea if you’re not a pilot (think of how all the mission practice is actually done).</p>
<p>I imagine a lot of astronauts are aerospace engineers due to there also being a strong preference for pilots.</p>
<p>I actually do not want to take the pilot path because I am not interested in becoming a pilot. I want to be an astronomer and an astronaut if I can become one. So do you think that my chances will less with astrophysics as opposed to aero engineering?
Thanks for all the advice.</p>