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Nicole
Student
Lansing, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
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What jobs would be recommended for someone wanting to pursue Astrogeology, but is worried about long-term job security?
My dream has always been to do some kind of Astrogeology and study incoming samples from space. Seeing as we are in uncertain times for space research, are there any jobs outside of working for Musk that anyone would recommend that seem to have a secure place in the industry? I want to change my major and follow my passion but I worry I will be unable to find a job after graduating. Thank you #Spring25
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1 answer
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
646
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Nicole,
I would not recommend majoring in astrogeology as an undergraduate. You can major in geology and have a broad basis in the geological sciences no matter where it takes you. You'll learn about geological processes, the physical and chemical foundations of crystallization, rock formation, weathering and soil formation as well as the analytical techniques used to study rocks.
You can take courses in astronomy, astrophysics or space science as your electives and you'll be set for success.
Astrogeology would be a specialization within geology. You can do your masters and/or PhD in astrogeology if you want to go that way. The skills you acquire would serve you well even if you don't end up with a job in spacegeology.
To work at NASA is of course a dream, and you should try to get an internship at NASA to put you on the path to investigate space materials.
Space rocks or simulated materials are not only investigated at NASA labs. NASA funds research programs and collaborations in science and engineering at many universities, and if you have a good project idea, you can request original materials.
There are also private companies interested in mining resources. You find a couple of them here:
https://flypix.ai/blog/private-space-companies/
I don't think anyone can answer right now how far the current administration will go in dismantling science and research in the US. Of course, most of their current actions are illegal and will make their way through the courts. Who knows if NASA will survive. But for you, this is a couple of years away. You have anywhere from 5 to 10 years of education in front of you. And you'd have a solid foundation in geology to find employment either in academia or in the private industry.
I hope this helps. All the best to you!
KP
https://community.geosociety.org/pgd/resources/university-programs
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/astrogeology-science-center/science/education
https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/
https://clever.research.gatech.edu/
https://space.mines.edu/projects/
I would not recommend majoring in astrogeology as an undergraduate. You can major in geology and have a broad basis in the geological sciences no matter where it takes you. You'll learn about geological processes, the physical and chemical foundations of crystallization, rock formation, weathering and soil formation as well as the analytical techniques used to study rocks.
You can take courses in astronomy, astrophysics or space science as your electives and you'll be set for success.
Astrogeology would be a specialization within geology. You can do your masters and/or PhD in astrogeology if you want to go that way. The skills you acquire would serve you well even if you don't end up with a job in spacegeology.
To work at NASA is of course a dream, and you should try to get an internship at NASA to put you on the path to investigate space materials.
Space rocks or simulated materials are not only investigated at NASA labs. NASA funds research programs and collaborations in science and engineering at many universities, and if you have a good project idea, you can request original materials.
There are also private companies interested in mining resources. You find a couple of them here:
https://flypix.ai/blog/private-space-companies/
I don't think anyone can answer right now how far the current administration will go in dismantling science and research in the US. Of course, most of their current actions are illegal and will make their way through the courts. Who knows if NASA will survive. But for you, this is a couple of years away. You have anywhere from 5 to 10 years of education in front of you. And you'd have a solid foundation in geology to find employment either in academia or in the private industry.
I hope this helps. All the best to you!
KP
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