How To Become An Astrophysicist: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Become an Astrophysicist PDF download Download Article Learn what you need to land your dream job as an astrophysicist Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 9, 2024 Approved

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  • Developing Your Skills in High School
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  • Degrees and Experience
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  • Looking for Jobs
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  • Q&A
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This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 25 testimonials and 94% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 328,163 times. Learn more...

If you are passionate about physics, space, and understanding the physical world, then a career in astrophysics may be just the thing for you. Start developing your skills in high school by taking advanced placement (AP) classes in math and science. Once you get into college, major in astrophysics, or major in physics with a minor in astronomy. To gain the necessary experience, apply for internship programs or research assistant positions over the summer. With a master’s or Ph.D. in astrophysics, you can find positions in academia, and at technology-based companies and financial firms.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Developing Your Skills in High School

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  1. Step 1 Take AP math classes. 1 Take AP math classes. Because math is the language of astrophysics, you will need to start honing your math skills in high school. Take advanced classes like calculus AB or BC, computer science A and principles, and statistics classes. [1]
    • To qualify for AP classes in high school, take pre-algebra classes in middle school. Make sure to get high marks in your classes.
    • AP classes are advanced placement classes in U.S. high schools. If you live in another country, like Canada, the UK, or India, seek out similar advanced classes at your high school.
  2. Step 2 Take AP science classes. 2 Take AP science classes. To create a successful career in astrophysics, you will also need to hone your science skills. Take AP classes in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and physics.[2]
    • In middle school, make sure to do well in your science classes in order to qualify for AP science classes in high school.
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  3. Step 3 Join a physics or an astronomy club. 3 Join a physics or an astronomy club. By joining a physics or an astronomy club, you will be able to meet people who have the same passion for astrophysics as you do. This will help you develop your passion and knowledge of astrophysics.[3]
    • Clubs are also a great way to learn about science and math competitions, as well as science summer camps and programs.
    • If there's none nearby, start your own! This also shows people you have initiative to do well.
  4. Step 4 Spur your interest in astrophysics with books. 4 Spur your interest in astrophysics with books. Check out books written by well-known astrophysicists like Carl Sagan, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stephen Hawking, Kip Thorne, Freeman Dyson, and Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. Additionally, seek out astronomy and astrophysics books that explore topics like Exo-planets, asteroids, black holes, time warps, and other similar topics.[4]
    • Find these books at your school's library, or at your local bookstore.
  5. Step 5 Enroll in a science camp or program during the summer. 5 Enroll in a science camp or program during the summer. Find out about local science camps by asking your science and math teachers. Additionally, Summer Fuel and Summer Discovery host summer science programs at a wide variety of universities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world.[5]
    • Check out NASA’s summer programs by visiting their web page.
    • Additionally, the Summer Science Program is a non-profit organization that offers programs in Colorado and New Mexico.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Degrees and Experience

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  1. Step 1 Obtain a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics. 1 Obtain a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics. You will need to take calculus-based physics, computer science, and astronomy. A few electrical engineering classes may also be required. Bachelor’s degree programs typically take 4 years to complete.
    • If your college doesn’t offer a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics, then get a bachelor’s degree in physics with a minor in astronomy, or vice versa.
  2. Step 2 Apply for internship programs over the summer. 2 Apply for internship programs over the summer. Do this while you are getting your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Universities typically offer summer research programs for astrophysics, physics, and astronomy majors. Ask a professor or your academic advisor about available opportunities.[6]
    • You can also find internship programs through astrophysics societies, like the American Astronomical Society, or through programs like the Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program.
  3. Step 3 Get a master’s of science in astrophysics. 3 Get a master’s of science in astrophysics. You will be taking advanced physics, astronomy, and computer science classes in a graduate program. These programs will help you develop skills in data measurement and analysis, computer modeling, advanced mathematics, writing/communication, and independent research and scholarship.
    • A master’s of science degree will prepare you to work as a research assistant, or teach as a visiting professor at colleges and universities.
    • Master’s programs typically take 2 to 3 years to complete.
  4. Step 4 Enquire about research assistant positions. 4 Enquire about research assistant positions. If you are interested in 1 or 2 of your professors' research, ask them about it during their office hours. If you are serious about pursuing a similar career path, see if they have a research assistant position available over the summer.[7]
    • Ask them, "How did you become interested in your research?" And, "What projects are you currently working on?"
    • Make sure to get high grades in their classes as well.
  5. Step 5 Obtain a doctoral degree in astrophysics. 5 Obtain a doctoral degree in astrophysics. Students who complete a master’s degree typically go on to complete a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in astrophysics. In a doctoral program, you will continue to develop the independent research that you started in your master’s program. Ph.D. candidates also take courses to develop their expertise in a specific field.[8]
    • A doctoral degree will prepare you to work at a college or university as a researcher or teacher, for government agencies like NASA, private and public research facilities, and national observatories and science centers.
    • Doctoral degrees typically take 4 to 6 years to complete.
  6. Step 6 Apply for a paid post-doctoral research fellowship. 6 Apply for a paid post-doctoral research fellowship. Look for fellowships through university job boards. You can also find fellowships through government or public research facilities. Fellowships typically last 3 years.[9]
    • If your goal is to become a researcher at a university, then you will need to complete 1 to 2 fellowships before applying for full-time faculty positions.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Looking for Jobs

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  1. Step 1 Apply for positions at colleges and universities. 1 Apply for positions at colleges and universities. Search university and college job boards for available positions. Apply for research or teaching positions if you have a Ph.D. and a couple fellowships under your belt. Also let your former professors know that you are looking for a job. They may have information about schools who are seeking candidates for open positions.
    • If you only have a master’s degree, then apply for professor-in-residence or visiting professor positions in fields such as geology, chemistry, applied math, atmospheric science, and engineering.
  2. Step 2 Search for technician positions at technology-based companies. 2 Search for technician positions at technology-based companies. Public or private technology-based companies typically hire astrophysicists as technicians or technical staff members. Search for jobs at technology-based companies such as Apple, Raytheon, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, Google, Oracle, and Cisco Systems.[10]
  3. Step 3 Apply for data analysis jobs at financial firms. 3 Apply for data analysis jobs at financial firms. Because astrophysicists have advanced data analysis skills, financial firms often hire them to do market modeling. These jobs involve analyzing data in order to predict financial markets.[11]
    • Search for jobs at the World Bank, MasterCard, ING, Goldman Sachs, GE Capital, and Standard Chartered Bank, to name a few.
  4. Step 4 Look for national observatory or agency jobs. 4 Look for national observatory or agency jobs. These agencies typically hire astrophysicists with Ph.D.s and master's degrees as technicians for satellite development, space programs, Exo-planet research, and galactic and stellar observations. Look for these jobs at national observatories like Magdalena Ridge or the Argentine Institute of Radio Observatory.[12]
    • Also look for these jobs at agencies like the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA, and Keck Telescope.
    5. Advertisement

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Community Q&A

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  • Question Which books should I read to help me to become an astrophysicist in the future if I am a teen? Community Answer Community Answer There are many books like, "A Brief History of Time" or "The Theory of Everything" by Stephen Hawking, or "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan. Books by Brian Cox are inspirational too. Study astronomy texts and books to learn all that you can about planets, the solar system, stars, the galaxies and the universe. Also study plenty of physics, chemistry and biology. They are all needed to be a good astrophysicist. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 264
  • Question Is getting good marks more important than knowledge of astrophysics? Community Answer Community Answer The knowledge is more important, getting good marks may pass you the exams but you won't be that good in your work whereas having a strong knowledge in the field will help you a lot, you can provide revolutionary ideas or theories to the world. You will need good marks to get to university though, so balance things out. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 215
  • Question What grade point average should I try to aim for? Community Answer Community Answer You should try for a 4.0 GPA. You'll be more likely to be accepted to a higher quality college/university if you can prove that you're exceptional. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 88
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References

  1. ↑ https://physics.ku.edu/admissions/undergraduate-astronomy-admissions
  2. ↑ https://apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/clusters/OccupationDetails/100012?parentId=111500&section=courses&sectionTitle=Helpful%20High%20School%20Courses
  3. ↑ https://www.space.com/26218-astrophysics.html
  4. ↑ https://www.ranker.com/list/notable-astrophysicist_s)/reference
  5. ↑ https://summerscience.org/
  6. ↑ https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/physics-careers/how-to-become-an-astrophysicist
  7. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/physicists-and-astronomers.htm
  8. ↑ https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/physics-careers/how-to-become-an-astrophysicist
  9. ↑ https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/astronomer
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/careers/what-does-a-astrophysicist-do
  2. ↑ https://www.unlv.edu/degree/phd-astronomy
  3. ↑ https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/9839/chapter/8

About This Article

wikiHow Staff Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 328,163 times. 286 votes - 94% Co-authors: 26 Updated: December 9, 2024 Views: 328,163 Categories: Featured Articles | Science Careers | Astronomy Article SummaryX

If you want to become an astrophysicist, get a 4-year degree in astrophysics. If your college doesn’t offer degrees in astrophysics, get your bachelor’s in physics with a minor in astronomy, or vice versa. You can then pursue a master’s of science in astrophysics. While you’re pursuing your undergraduate and graduate degrees, apply for internship programs and research assistant positions to help you gain more experience. Typically, astrophysicists will complete a Ph.D. program as well. Look for jobs with universities, technology-based companies, and national observatories. Keep reading to learn about the kinds of classes you should take in high school! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. wikiHow Staff Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer Co-authors: 26 Updated: December 9, 2024 Views: 328,163 94% of readers found this article helpful. 286 votes - 94% Click a star to add your vote Jackson Lafferty

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