Okay, if I major in physics and astronomy at my college, what would be some career options for me?
2006-07-26 09:27:48 · 10 answers · asked by -Veggie Chick- 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Let's see...
You could definitely become a research scientist, but I hear they don't pay too well. So you're looking into physics and astronomy? Sure. Be an astrophysicist like Stephen Hawking! He makes a good salary, being the world's smartest man and all.
Seriously, though, start looking into different careers at NASA. They'll probably have something you want. Consider rocket science. This would be applicable in several places. You could also consider Imaging Science. It's the analysis of light and optics and such. I considered majoring in this, but I might go to grad school for it instead. You could apply this science to telescopes and reading the different forms of light in space. This is how they determine the movement of intergallactic bodies, like stars. Maybe you'd be interested in helping map the universe? Scientists are just starting on this, but are limited with the technology they have. By the time you get out there, you'll have better technology to work with, so there will be plenty to explore.
If you take some engineering, you could build the technology that will be used in space. My theory is that this field is going to populate as fast as computers did. We're already beginning to master space travel, and in a decade or two, I'm sure we'll be doing quite a bit in space.
You could do aeronautics. That would be interesting. If you want to actualyl experience space, be an astronaut! :) But, of course, you could also consider teaching. If you want to apply your education, then I wouldn't recommend it. I do recommend, that if you're going for Physics and Astronomy, to get your PhD. This will be a huge asset in your search for a job.
Hope I helped.
2006-07-26 09:30:58 · answer #1 · answered by M 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You can go major in teaching to teach physic and astronomy in high school or college, or you can be research scientist as you focus on astronomy as your interest. Or you can be astromier as you work part time job teaching physics.
2006-07-26 22:47:56 · answer #2 · answered by Eve W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teaching would be the most likely career option. Most reasearch is done under the direction of a University or government program, some under grants the reasearcher had to procure themselves.
Some phycisists are able to get work with companies like Boeing but I imagine it's somewhat temporary in nature.
2006-07-26 17:29:06 · answer #3 · answered by minuteblue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually I had a recruiter call me a few years ago. She was looking for folks who knew about Extreme UV techniques for the semiconductor industry. I suggested she look for astronomers b/c they'd been the ones pioneering this stuff, and if they had all the physics, they'd be perfect!
Anyway, it's hard to predict what the market will be like. Physics is fairly popular these days, and there are always a few openings for the astronomy.
Do what you love, and you'll find openings.
2006-07-26 16:50:07 · answer #4 · answered by Iridium190 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be a school teacher or you can go on with your studies and became a college teacher.It depends on the country you live,if you live in the States you can work for NASA that is very very interesting.
But first of all you have to be crazy about astronomy...
2006-07-26 16:34:12 · answer #5 · answered by andelska 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A double major?
Astrophysics has limited job opportunities, and most of them are at the Ph.D. level. If you go into physics, the medical physics field is very good. Interesting work, and the pay is probably the best in the physics field.
2006-07-26 16:33:35 · answer #6 · answered by Jack 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, your career options are going to involve working as a research scientist or professor at a university. There isn't a great need for astrophysicists in private industry.
2006-07-26 17:06:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would be a good general science education that would get you many different kinds of jobs. I have bachelors degrees in both those subjects and worked most of my life as a semiconductor engineer. To be a real research scientist requires a PhD though.
2006-07-26 16:39:16 · answer #8 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Astonomer, physicist (obviously), teacher, astrophysicist (if you take lots of dynamics and kinematics and go to the PhD level)... you could also be a researcher, work for SETI, lots of things...
If you are thinking about working on spacecraft you should probably look into aerospace engineering... theres no better career (cause thats mine) :)
2006-07-26 16:33:25 · answer #9 · answered by AresIV 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Send your resume to JPL
2006-07-26 17:51:49 · answer #10 · answered by Tim C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋