What are the qualifications for a career at NASA?

Question

Really. I want a STRAIGHT answer, and do not give me www.nasa.gov b/c I want a specific link, if any.

I plan on being an aerospace-enginere OR an Astronaut.

I am a straight A student and realy like astronmy(NOT the psu-science), science, and math.

I do not have a degree in anything, I wish I did, but I am too young.

Answer 1

Astronauts usually have degrees in engineering so you're ahead of the game if you have a degree in aerospace engineering. I believe they prefer pilots though, possibly with a military background, over others simply due to the job requirements and training involved.

However, to work at NASA as an engineer I assume one would simply need a degree in the appropriate area (such as aerospace engineering) and exceptionally good grades. They are, after all, working on the cutting edge of space travel and want only the best of the best. Since you're a straight A student and you want to get a degree in a field they obviously need then I'd say you're at least on par with the average candidate for NASA. Probably to get an entry level position you'll simply need a bachelor's degree. To actually do anything seriously interesting you're probably going to have to have at least a masters. A Ph.D. will likely put you way ahead of any other applicant and assure that if you're hired you'll be in management, which may not be what you want if you're more interested in actually designing things yourself rather than looking over budget reports and checking other peoples designs. Obviously you don't *have* to wait until you have a masters or Ph.D. before applying, you can always take classes at night and on the weekends once you're working to get more advanced degrees. Once in college and working on your degree, try to get to know as many of your engineering/science professors as you can. They'll be the ones who may later be writing letters of praise and recommendation about you when NASA wants references.

I'd suggest that you join every science/engineering club you can find in your school so that when you fill out the application for NASA you'll be able to show that you've both had an interest and participated in the field for quite some time. This will show the interviewer that you're serious about the position you're applying for -- since you've spent time outside of what was required for you degree -- involved with the field.

While I'm sure it's extremely competitive to become employed by NASA it's, obviously, not impossible. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 2

There is a "work for Nasa" link on their website. They have very specific answers to your question, but it depends on your grade level.

Want to Work at NASA?
http://www.nasa.gov/about/career/index.html

NASA is more than astronauts. We are scientists, engineers, computer programmers, personnel specialists, accountants, writers, maintenance workers and many, many other kinds of people. At the NASAJobs Web site, you can review job listings, post a resume and even apply for a NASA job online.

At NASAJobs students can find opportunities for internships, cooperative programs and summer employment.

For all the diversity of NASA's workforce, the question, "How can I become an astronaut?" is very common. The answer depends on where you are now and where you want to go.

If you haven't finished high school yet, former astronaut Dr. Sally K. Ride has these suggestions for you:

"The most important steps that I followed were studying math and science in school. I was always interested in physics and astronomy and chemistry, and I continued to study those subjects through high school and college on into graduate school. That's what prepared me for being an astronaut; it actually gave me the qualifications to be selected to be an astronaut. I think the advice that I would give to any kids who want to be astronauts is to make sure that they realize that NASA is looking for people with a whole variety of backgrounds: they are looking for medical doctors, microbiologists, geologists, physicists, electrical engineers. So find something that you really like and then pursue it as far as you can and NASA is apt to be interested in that profession."

If you've graduated from college or are in the military, and you're ready to apply, here's how.

Answer 3

As other people mentioned they would prefer someone who not only has an engineering degree but also related work in that field. As for the astronaut an airforce background definately helps, although i think this was more true 20 years ago than today. Not only would an astronaut be an exciting job, but I heard that an astronaut cadet starts out at the air forces 11th pay level, or about 65,000 a year, although it can go up to well over $120,000!

Answer 4

Go after a degree in Engineering from Purdue University. Also join the Air force ROTC Detachment 220.

http://web.ics.purdue.edu/%7Eafrotc/

You should study Aero/Astro Sciences, get a pilots license and fly for the Air force, F18's or F22's are best.

https://engineering.purdue.edu/AAE/

Be sure to tell the Profs at Purdue that you plan to join NASA and they will help you do it.

Answer 5

Go to school for the first and get really good grades, for the second normally they normally only send up people who are either into science, doctors who are trying to do things, or people who were in the airforce who fly the ships.

Answer 6

u probably looked at the answers and then answered the question am i an idiot