How to Become an Astrophysicist

Developing Your Skills in High School

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. 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.

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. In middle school, make sure to do well in your science classes in order to qualify for AP science classes in high school.

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. 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.

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. Find these books at your school's library, or at your local bookstore.

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. 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.

Getting Advanced Degrees and Experience

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.

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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

Looking for Jobs

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.

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.

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. Search for jobs at the World Bank, MasterCard, ING, Goldman Sachs, GE Capital, and Standard Chartered Bank, to name a few.

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. Also look for these jobs at agencies like the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA, and Keck Telescope.