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How can I find a path that will allow me to get degrees in both astronomy/astrophysics and mechanical/aerospace engineering?
Would I be able to get both degrees at the same time? What careers would I be able to pursue with those degrees? I'm thinking about becoming a Formula 1 engineer or working for NASA.
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6 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
44
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Fahad Elahi’s Answer
There are some great ways to explore both fields:
Consider a double major if your university offers one. Some schools let you combine physics (with a focus on astronomy) and mechanical or aerospace engineering. It might take 5 years instead of 4, but you'll earn two degrees.
Another option is to study one subject in undergrad and the other in grad school. Many students get a bachelor's in mechanical or aerospace engineering and then pursue a master's or PhD in astronomy or astrophysics. This combination works well because astronomy programs value engineering skills. You can also do it the other way around, though you might need extra engineering classes.
Look into engineering physics degree programs. These programs blend pure physics with engineering and often let you focus on aerospace, with astronomy courses as electives. Some schools even offer space science tracks in aerospace engineering.
Don't overlook interdisciplinary degrees in space systems or astronautical engineering. These are becoming more popular and naturally combine both interests.
For undergraduates, I suggest starting with aerospace or mechanical engineering. It's generally easier to move from engineering to astrophysics than the other way around, and you'll have better job prospects if you don't attend grad school. Try to take as many physics and astronomy classes as you can fit into your schedule.
Consider a double major if your university offers one. Some schools let you combine physics (with a focus on astronomy) and mechanical or aerospace engineering. It might take 5 years instead of 4, but you'll earn two degrees.
Another option is to study one subject in undergrad and the other in grad school. Many students get a bachelor's in mechanical or aerospace engineering and then pursue a master's or PhD in astronomy or astrophysics. This combination works well because astronomy programs value engineering skills. You can also do it the other way around, though you might need extra engineering classes.
Look into engineering physics degree programs. These programs blend pure physics with engineering and often let you focus on aerospace, with astronomy courses as electives. Some schools even offer space science tracks in aerospace engineering.
Don't overlook interdisciplinary degrees in space systems or astronautical engineering. These are becoming more popular and naturally combine both interests.
For undergraduates, I suggest starting with aerospace or mechanical engineering. It's generally easier to move from engineering to astrophysics than the other way around, and you'll have better job prospects if you don't attend grad school. Try to take as many physics and astronomy classes as you can fit into your schedule.
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Mathew. Getting both degrees at the same time can be challenging. Each program has a heavy course load, so it may take more than four years to complete. You might also need to take summer classes or stay in school longer. Another option is to major in one subject and minor in the other, or complete one degree first and then go to graduate school for the second field.
You can look for universities that are strong in both science and engineering, and talk to academic advisors to see if they allow double majors or dual degrees. Some universities may let you create a custom program that combines both interests. You'll need to plan your schedule carefully and stay organized to handle the workload.
With degrees in astronomy/astrophysics and mechanical/aerospace engineering, you can pursue many exciting careers. A combination of both fields would make you a strong candidate for missions and research projects.
Overall, it is possible to study both fields with dedication and planning. These degrees can open the door to many high-tech, cutting-edge careers.
You can look for universities that are strong in both science and engineering, and talk to academic advisors to see if they allow double majors or dual degrees. Some universities may let you create a custom program that combines both interests. You'll need to plan your schedule carefully and stay organized to handle the workload.
With degrees in astronomy/astrophysics and mechanical/aerospace engineering, you can pursue many exciting careers. A combination of both fields would make you a strong candidate for missions and research projects.
Overall, it is possible to study both fields with dedication and planning. These degrees can open the door to many high-tech, cutting-edge careers.
Thank you so much Wong! I will definitely do research.
Matthew
You are most welcome!
Wong Loke Yuen
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Matthew,
I can see you have high-flying plans (pun intended). Any of those degrees can put you on that path. Aerospace/ mechanical engineering as well as astronomy/astrophysics are full-time programs that most students find pretty challenging. I would not recommend to try and get a bachelors in both. If you absolutely must, get a minor, or just take some extra classes in your electives.
An undergraduate degree does not lock you into one particular career path. You'll specialize. You'll get an advanced degree. You'll work on interdisciplinary projects. You'll learn on the job. Any large company will hire a mix of people from different backgrounds. Any research project will be a collaboration of different qualifications.
If you are a more sciency type, i.e. you want to learn things from the ground up to applications, major in physics in undergrad and do astrophysics in your masters/PhD. Obviously, choose a university that has a strong astrophysics program. You can take some engineering classes as electives, do internships or participate in projects on campus to get some of the hands-on experience that you want.
If you are more of a hands-on type who wants to build things, major in mechanical or aerospace. You can take some astronomy/astrophysics classes as electives. Watch out for the pre-requisites to get into those classes. The required physics and math classes for engineers and physicists might be different. Talk to your advisors and people in the departments.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://pcos.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/career.php
I can see you have high-flying plans (pun intended). Any of those degrees can put you on that path. Aerospace/ mechanical engineering as well as astronomy/astrophysics are full-time programs that most students find pretty challenging. I would not recommend to try and get a bachelors in both. If you absolutely must, get a minor, or just take some extra classes in your electives.
An undergraduate degree does not lock you into one particular career path. You'll specialize. You'll get an advanced degree. You'll work on interdisciplinary projects. You'll learn on the job. Any large company will hire a mix of people from different backgrounds. Any research project will be a collaboration of different qualifications.
If you are a more sciency type, i.e. you want to learn things from the ground up to applications, major in physics in undergrad and do astrophysics in your masters/PhD. Obviously, choose a university that has a strong astrophysics program. You can take some engineering classes as electives, do internships or participate in projects on campus to get some of the hands-on experience that you want.
If you are more of a hands-on type who wants to build things, major in mechanical or aerospace. You can take some astronomy/astrophysics classes as electives. Watch out for the pre-requisites to get into those classes. The required physics and math classes for engineers and physicists might be different. Talk to your advisors and people in the departments.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Torin’s Answer
Hi Matthew! It's great that you want to get into aerospace engineering. I have a B.S. in aerospace engineering, and your question struck me because I actually considered doing this exact thing while in school, and looked into what it would entail during my first couple years of university. Here are the blockers that ultimately made me stick with an AE single-major:
- Engineering undergrad (i.e. bachelor's degree) programs are notorious for being incredibly difficult and time-consuming on their own. My university was huge (~60k undergrad students), and I never ended up meeting anybody trying to double-major with engineering because the courseload and study time were unrealistic for most people
- At least at my school, the astrophysics and astronomy courses were taught at infrequent intervals, for example every odd-year fall term. This made it difficult to schedule everything and reconcile with the engineering degree, and if a class filled up, would delay my graduation by a year or more
- Unfortunately, in today's world, bachelor's degrees can be quite expensive. I had some scholarships that covered most of my AE degree, but like most scholarship programs, they only covered a certain number of credit-hours per term, and years total. This would make it so that I would be paying out of pocket for the additional degree, which was prohibitively expensive. Paying out of pocket for two B.S. degrees would require most students to burden themselves with a large amount of student loan debt
- Since you mention you want to enter industry once you're degree'd, work experience is going to be crucial during your college career. I did the same, and my multiple years of summer internships and work-study programs gave me a huge leg up upon graduation. Had I double majored, I wouldn't have had the time
My suggestion would be to pursue the BSAE degree, and either fill your electives with the astro classes, or take on an astro minor. Engineering degrees tend to allow a broad scope of career opportunities vs. a science degree, at least in the USA. Additionally, minor certificates have more influence than you may think; I pivoted into the tech industry due to my minor in computer science, so potential employers definitely consider those things. Good luck to you! Study hard and have fun :)
- Engineering undergrad (i.e. bachelor's degree) programs are notorious for being incredibly difficult and time-consuming on their own. My university was huge (~60k undergrad students), and I never ended up meeting anybody trying to double-major with engineering because the courseload and study time were unrealistic for most people
- At least at my school, the astrophysics and astronomy courses were taught at infrequent intervals, for example every odd-year fall term. This made it difficult to schedule everything and reconcile with the engineering degree, and if a class filled up, would delay my graduation by a year or more
- Unfortunately, in today's world, bachelor's degrees can be quite expensive. I had some scholarships that covered most of my AE degree, but like most scholarship programs, they only covered a certain number of credit-hours per term, and years total. This would make it so that I would be paying out of pocket for the additional degree, which was prohibitively expensive. Paying out of pocket for two B.S. degrees would require most students to burden themselves with a large amount of student loan debt
- Since you mention you want to enter industry once you're degree'd, work experience is going to be crucial during your college career. I did the same, and my multiple years of summer internships and work-study programs gave me a huge leg up upon graduation. Had I double majored, I wouldn't have had the time
My suggestion would be to pursue the BSAE degree, and either fill your electives with the astro classes, or take on an astro minor. Engineering degrees tend to allow a broad scope of career opportunities vs. a science degree, at least in the USA. Additionally, minor certificates have more influence than you may think; I pivoted into the tech industry due to my minor in computer science, so potential employers definitely consider those things. Good luck to you! Study hard and have fun :)
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi! It really depends on the college or university you attend. At some schools, you can double major. Additionally, for what you are interested in, a singular major in aerospace may be fine for you. I would research where you are applying and see what their programs prepare you for.
Thank you for the advice Rebecca!
Matthew
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Mathew,
Thank you very much for your very interesting question. Astronomy introduces you to fundamental principles and knowledge of our universe especially in space exploration. Nature is very purposeful and as humans we learn a lot from it. A course in astronomy is a precursor for aerospace engineering - it's embedded in aerospace engineering, which you can pursue directly. Mechanical engineering provides pathways to many areas of specialization such as aerospace, automotive & biomedical engineering, robotics etc. Progressively and overtime, you can develop competence in all the areas of specialization you are interested in. Prioritization is key, though
Thank you very much for your very interesting question. Astronomy introduces you to fundamental principles and knowledge of our universe especially in space exploration. Nature is very purposeful and as humans we learn a lot from it. A course in astronomy is a precursor for aerospace engineering - it's embedded in aerospace engineering, which you can pursue directly. Mechanical engineering provides pathways to many areas of specialization such as aerospace, automotive & biomedical engineering, robotics etc. Progressively and overtime, you can develop competence in all the areas of specialization you are interested in. Prioritization is key, though
Thank you so much William! I really appreciate the advice. Aerospace engineering sounds like the best of both worlds. I will definitely take this advice into consideration when researching colleges and universities.
Matthew