How would I become a rocket scientist?

Question

I wanna become a rocket scientist...I was wondering how I would do this, I'm a freshman in high school, and I was wondering what colleges would have that, and what classes I would have to take...thanks a bunch if you can help me follow a dream... :-)

Answer 1

Helpful High School Courses

If you are interested in this occupation, you should take courses in high school that prepare you to enter college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this specific occupation. While you do not have to take all of them, you should consider them in course planning. Some of these courses are also available at colleges and technical schools. Because this occupation is so broad, the list of courses is longer than most. You should focus on the courses in your area of interest, such as biology or geology.

Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources
Agriculture Science
Animal Science
Agricultural Production
Natural Resources Management

Computer and Information Sciences
General Computer Applications
Business Computer Applications
Computer Graphics

Drafting
Drafting
CAD Design and Software

English Language and Literature
English and Language Arts (Four years)
Technical Writing
English Grammar
Business and Applied English
Public Speaking
Forensics and Debate

Health and Safety Education
Community Health
Safety and First Aid
Drivers' Education

Industrial and Technology Education
Production Systems
Emerging Technologies
Research and Development
Equipment Maintenance and Repair

Life and Physical Sciences
Earth Science
Geology
Physical Science
Biology
Advanced Biology courses
Chemistry
Chemistry in the Community
Advanced Chemistry courses
Physics
Principles of Technology
Advanced Physics courses
Integrated Science
Environmental Science
Marine Science
Science Technology and Engineering
Life and Physical Sciences Lab Assistant

Mass Communication
Journalism
Mass Media
Mass Media, Communication
Photojournalism

Mathematics
Algebra
Geometry
Advanced Algebra courses
Trigonometry
Advanced Geometry courses
Advanced Trigonometry courses
Calculus
Advanced Calculus courses
Probability and Statistics
Computer Math
Advanced Computer Math courses

Public, Protective, and Social Services
Exploration of Public Service Careers
Community Protection
Public Administration
Civil Engineering

Social Sciences and History
U.S. Government
Advanced U.S. Government courses
Law Studies
Business Law
Legal System

Preparation

To work as a science technician, you must:

have a high school diploma or GED;
complete at least an associate degree in science or a science-related technology; and
have a good eye for detail.

Formal Education
There are several ways to prepare for this occupation. Most science technicians have an associate degree in applied science or technology. Some technicians have a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry. It is possible to work as a technician if you do not a bachelor's degree in a life science. In this case you still need college-level science and math courses.

Some professional technical schools offer one-year certificate programs in science technology. The type of science you work in will determine the level of degree you need to have.

Work Experience
A summer job in a lab is excellent experience for working in this field.

On-the-job Training
While completing a science technology program, you may have the chance to work as an intern. This experience is very helpful for getting a job.

Knowledge
Science technicians need knowledge in the following areas:
Mathematics: Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Chemistry: Knowledge of the properties of substances and the changes that occur when they interact.
Physics: Knowledge of the features and rules of matter and energy. Areas of knowledge include air, water, light, heat, weather, and other natural events.
English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
Biology: Knowledge of plants, animals, and living organisms and how they function.
Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
Mechanical: Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of protecting people, data, and property.

Nationally, the number of jobs for science technicians is expected to increase as fast as average through the year 2012.

Outlook varies by industry and type of technician. Almost all types of technicians can expect much faster than average growth at scientific and technical consulting firms. Only chemical and biological technicians will not be in demand with these firms. However, these technicians can also expect many new jobs to be created at drug companies. The outlook with government agencies is mixed. Some agencies will hire more science technicians and others will hire fewer.

Environmental science technicians have the best overall outlook. This is because the public is concerned about the environment. More agencies and businesses are investigating ways to preserve or reclaim the environment. Biological technicians also have a good overall outlook. Much of their growth will be in health-related industries such as drug manufacturing, hospitals, and medical laboratories. Overall grow for other technicians will be slower than average.

Many job openings will arise from the need to replace technicians who retire or leave the field.

Interests
Science technicians are people who tend to:
Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.
Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.
Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Answer 2

Rocket science is also known as aeronautical engineering (if I spelled that right). Since you would pretty much need a Ph.D. to be a scientist, just about any science or engineering major will do in college. I would think physics or mechanical engineering would be best, but there may be others. Few schools that I know of have an aeronautical engineering major - I do know MIT has one (I went there for physics). But you really don't need to be specializing that much until grad school.

Right now, make sure you do well in math and science, and plan to take the highest physics class your high school offers (it's ok if you don't have AP physics, a lot of schools don't).

Answer 3

I would imagine it's some kind of engineering major, just not sure of the 'technical' name for it. I don't know, but be prepared for LOTS of physics, chemistry and high level math. good luck to you though... and also, you could TRULY tell people that catch phrase "It's not rocket science" and speak from personal knowledge! LOL

Also, more than likely, to be a true "scientist" and doing your own designing and research, you will more than likely need at LEAST a Master's degree, so you can probably get your undergrad degree in Mechanical Engineering and then see what grad schools offer specific aeronautical programs.

Answer 4

you can also get a degree in Chemical Engineering. if you want to study more about the actual fuels that are used in rockets. I personally know some Chem E's that work at NASA on design of rockets and testing rockets.. (horizontal test stands)that are Chem E's . They are also working on the design of the liquid fuel compartments in Zero g. that is a fluid dynamics problem and Chem E;s usually are doing that kind of testing and modeling... It is a slightly different job from Mechanical Eng. but usually there are some of both disciplines designing and testing rockets...

take chemistry and see if you really like it then you might want to consider Chem E.

Answer 5

Go to Virginia Tech and get a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

My daughter did and she is a rocket scientist!!!

Answer 6

I know someone who is apparently on her way. Right now Anna is a freshman in university, majoring in math and physics. If anyone I know is going to be a rocket scientist, it's she! She's also drop dead beautiful, fluently speaks four languages, has a wicked sense of humor and has danced (ballet and jazz) for years as a "hobby".

Answer 7

You probably want to start off studying Mechanical Engineering. Look around many schools offer some kind of aronautical engineering programs. While in highschool you should get a good background in math and physics. Many highschools offer AP Calculus courses. Keep at it and your on your way to NASA.

Answer 8

Take Chemistry/Physics

Answer 9

Take a LOT of physics and chemistry