3 answers
Katherine
Student
McKinney, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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How should a person decide what subfield to specialize in if there are so many appealing choices?
I am a rising college freshman majoring in physics, with career aspirations of becoming an astrophysicist. But the term "astrophysicist" is so broad, and there are too many specializations to count (heliophysics, exoplanetology, planetary science, cosmology, galactic evolution, and astrobiology, to name a few). Because I consider myself an indecisive person, I can see myself having trouble narrowing down a topic that I want to dedicate years of my life to. So, when it comes time to choose a specialty for master's and PhD theses, what's the best approach to go about it?
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3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
649
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Katherine,
I totally agree, there are so many interesting things out there to study! But you are really getting ahead of yourself!
Right now, your job is to study physics. Take all the astrophysics classed you can. If your department is strong in astrophysics (any flavor) talk to the professors and TAs about the research they do. Get involved in undergraduate research. Check out summer programs and internships in astrophysics. I left some links for you below.
But you only need to specialize for your masters. You have time to discover what kind of a physicist you want to be. If you still want to be an astrophysicist when you are graduating, you need to find an advisor who is willing to take you on for a masters/PhD in astrophysics. You can even do a masters in one specialty and a PhD in another.
I hope this puts things a bit in perspective! All the best! You got this!
KP
https://undergraduateresearch.princeton.edu/programs/summer-programs/princeton-astrophysics-undergraduate-summer-research-program
https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/opportunities/graduate-undergraduate-programs/reu-summer-intern-program
https://astronomy.osu.edu/undergraduates/undergraduate-research/surp
I totally agree, there are so many interesting things out there to study! But you are really getting ahead of yourself!
Right now, your job is to study physics. Take all the astrophysics classed you can. If your department is strong in astrophysics (any flavor) talk to the professors and TAs about the research they do. Get involved in undergraduate research. Check out summer programs and internships in astrophysics. I left some links for you below.
But you only need to specialize for your masters. You have time to discover what kind of a physicist you want to be. If you still want to be an astrophysicist when you are graduating, you need to find an advisor who is willing to take you on for a masters/PhD in astrophysics. You can even do a masters in one specialty and a PhD in another.
I hope this puts things a bit in perspective! All the best! You got this!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Laurel Clem
Quality Assurance Testing
4
Answers
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Laurel’s Answer
When faced with many great options, focus on your strengths and choose the path that suits your work style best. Instead of just picking what's interesting or secure, explore the daily tasks and career paths of each field. Consider the lifestyle you want. Does your field have opportunities in the region you prefer? Start with the life you want and plan your career choices from there.
Remember, there's no "wrong" choice. Every specialty and job will teach you something valuable. Don't fear getting stuck. Many professionals had different plans at 20. Skills from various roles can transfer to new opportunities. Life experience will guide your path. It's never too late to change direction, so trust your instincts. If something feels easy, it might be the right fit.
You can do this! Good luck!
Remember, there's no "wrong" choice. Every specialty and job will teach you something valuable. Don't fear getting stuck. Many professionals had different plans at 20. Skills from various roles can transfer to new opportunities. Life experience will guide your path. It's never too late to change direction, so trust your instincts. If something feels easy, it might be the right fit.
You can do this! Good luck!
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
209
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Typically, there will not be specialization in physics in the undergraduate years. Nonetheless, there are some colleges that offer more undergraduate courses pertaining to topics in astronomy and astrophysics. Focus on earning a bachelor's degree in physics. You will have a lot on your plate since you will have to take many mathematics classes on top of a heavy physics curriculum.
You will have the opportunity to pick a specialization in graduate school. Hence, you have a few years to decide on your favorite topics of astrophysics at a graduate school of your choice.
In many graduate departments, you can also skip your master’s degree and go straight for the Ph.D. also. It will depend on your performance in graduate school.
In conclusion, you have plenty of time to decide on your specialization in astrophysics. First, get a solid education in physics.
You will have the opportunity to pick a specialization in graduate school. Hence, you have a few years to decide on your favorite topics of astrophysics at a graduate school of your choice.
In many graduate departments, you can also skip your master’s degree and go straight for the Ph.D. also. It will depend on your performance in graduate school.
In conclusion, you have plenty of time to decide on your specialization in astrophysics. First, get a solid education in physics.