If you are passionate about physics, space, and understanding the physical world, then a career in astrophysics may be what you are looking for. Begin building skills in high school by taking advanced courses in math and science. Once you enter college, study for a major in astrophysics or a major in physics with a minor in astronomy. To gain the necessary experience, apply for internship programs or research assistant positions during the summer. With a master's or doctorate in astrophysics, you can find a job in academia, in technology-based companies, and in financial companies.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Building Skills in High School
Step 1. Take advanced math courses
Since math is the language of astrophysics, you'll need to start honing your math skills in high school. Attend advanced courses in Calculus, Computer Science, Principles of Computer Science, and Statistics.
- To be eligible for these advanced courses in high school, seek to participate in Pre-Algebra classes in middle school. Make sure you get good grades in these courses.
- The program of advanced courses in the United States high school is known as Advanced Placement (AP). If you live elsewhere, look for advanced courses that are similar to the country's high school.
Step 2. Take advanced science courses
To achieve a successful career in astrophysics, you will also need to hone your scientific skills. Attend advanced courses in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, and Physics.
Make sure you do well in science classes in elementary or middle school in order to be eligible for advanced courses in high school
Step 3. Join a physics or astronomy club
By joining a physics or astronomy club, you will be able to meet people who have the same passion for astrophysics as you. This will help you develop your passion and increase your knowledge in astrophysics.
- Clubs are also a great way to learn about science and math competitions, as well as science camps and summer programs.
- If there aren't any nearby, found yours! This will also show people that you have the initiative to do things right.
Step 4. Stimulate your interest in astrophysics with books
Take a look at the books written by well-known astrophysicists such as Carl Sagan, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stephen Hawking, Freeman Dyson, and Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. Also, look for astronomy and astrophysics books that explore topics like exoplanets, asteroids, black holes, time warps, and other similar topics.
You can find these books at your school library, at a local bookstore, or online
Step 5. Enroll in a summer science camp or program
Find out about local science camps by asking science and math teachers. Additionally, SummerFuel and Summer Discovery host summer science programs at a wide variety of universities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world.
- Visit the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) website for their summer programs.
- You can also visit the website for the Summer Science Program, which is a nonprofit organization that offers programs in Colorado and New Mexico.
Part 2 of 3: Earning Advanced Degrees and Experience
Step 1. Get a bachelor's degree in astrophysics
You will need to study calculus-based physics, computer science, and astronomy. Some electrical engineering classes may also be required. Bachelor's programs generally take four years to complete.
If the college does not offer a bachelor's degree in astrophysics, then get one in physics with a minor in astronomy, or vice versa
Step 2. Apply for internship programs during the summer
Do it while you study for a bachelor's degree and even a master's degree. Universities often offer summer research programs for astrophysics, physics, and astronomy. Ask a teacher or academic advisor about the opportunities available.
You can also find internship programs through astrophysical societies, like the American Astronomical Society (AAS), or through programs like the Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU)
Step 3. Get a master's degree in astrophysics
You will take advanced classes in physics, astronomy, and computer science in a graduate program. These programs will help you develop skills in data measurement and analysis, computer simulation, advanced math, writing and communication, as well as independent research and scholarships.
- A master of science will prepare you to work as a research assistant or teach as a visiting professor at colleges and universities.
- Master's programs generally take two to three years to complete.
Step 4. Find out about research assistant openings
If you're interested in one or two of your professors' research, ask them about it during office hours. If you really want to pursue a similar career, find out if they have a research assistant position available during the summer.
- Ask things like: "How did you become interested in your field of research?" Or "What projects are you currently working on?"
- Make sure you get high grades in classes, too.
Step 5. Get a Ph. D. in astrophysics
Students who complete a master's degree usually go on to a doctorate in astrophysics. In a doctoral program, you will continue to develop the independent research started in the master's program. Aspiring PhD candidates also take courses to develop their expertise in a specific field.
- A doctoral degree will prepare you to work in a college or university as a researcher or professor, for government agencies such as NASA, private and public research facilities, and national observatories and science centers.
- PhD programs typically take four to six years to complete.
Step 6. Apply for a paid postdoctoral research grant
Find research grants on your college's notice boards. You can also get a research grant through the government or public research centers. Scholarships typically last three years.
If your goal is to become a university researcher, then you will need to complete a research scholarship or two before applying for a full-time teaching job
Part 3 of 3: Find a Job
Step 1. Look for a job in colleges and universities
Look for available jobs on college and university notice boards. Apply for research or teaching positions if you have a Ph. D. and a couple of research grants. Also let your former teachers know that you are looking for a job. They may have information on which schools are looking for job vacancies.
If you only have a master's degree, then apply for a job as a resident professor or visiting professor in fields such as geology, chemistry, applied mathematics, atmospheric science, and engineering
Step 2. Look for tech jobs as a technician
Public or private technology companies often hire astrophysicists as technicians or members of the technical staff. Look for jobs with technology companies such as Apple, Raytheon, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, Google, Oracle, and Cisco Systems.
Step 3. Apply for a job as a data analyst in financial companies
Because astrophysicists have advanced skills in data analysis, financial firms often hire them to do market simulations. These jobs involve analyzing data to predict financial markets.
Seek jobs at the World Bank, MasterCard, ING, Goldman Sachs, GE Capital, and Standard Chartered Bank, among others
Step 4. Look for a job with a national observatory or agency
Agencies typically hire astrophysicists with doctorates and master's degrees as technicians for satellite development, space programs, exoplanet research, and galaxy and star observations. Look for these jobs at national observatories such as Magdalena Ridge, Arecibo, or the Argentine Institute of Radio Astronomy.