Changing majors

[HoboNinja]

Ok so I am currently attending a community college and getting an Associates in Liberal Arts, I am planning on transferring to St. Ambrose University here in my home town and they have a 2 plus 2 program where you the gen eds at the community college all count when you transfer...

Now I was planning on getting a Bathelors in Computer Network Administration but lately I have been thinking about changing my major. I have always loved space since I was little kid and dreamed of going to MIT and becoming a theoretical physicist but I didn't think I was smart enough so I just went with the computer stuff... Now I am thinking about changing what I want to do next year. I am thinking about double majoring in Astronomy and Physics, my only problem is... with the networking degree I could get a job at John Deere here locally but I don't know where I would go for physics work... Locally or nationally.

Honestly I am not even sure what an astronomer or physicist does on a daily basis. I guess you could be a professor, researcher, or work for NASA or something. I am googling stuff at the moment but if anyone knows anything about the Astronomy of Physics fields and could chime in that would be appreciated.

 

[Denbrought]

Teach, work at private companies that do space research/travel, get grants and do scientist-ey stuff, work for the govt, teach.

Funny thing, I changed my major from physics to computer science

 

[Cuyval Dar]

Teach, work at private companies that do space research/travel, get grants and do scientist-ey stuff, work for the govt, teach.

Funny thing, I changed my major from physics to computer science

Not uncommon.

 

[Adam]

I left Computer Science in the dust when the glut of dot com layoffs happened; entered into Economics and never looked back. Helped a lot in my job as a research manager at a bank. I kind of get the best of both worlds, comp sci and econ.

 

[Covar]

Go with the major that will get you the career that would make you the most happy. Money doesn't matter. Cliche but true. You will find undertaking a task will be much easier if you have a passion for it. Also if the job you want also happens to make you a good amount of money, then thats even better. :slywink:

 

[klew]

I changed from computer science to biological sciences, now working in marine science.

You could work in planetariums or science museums, or do your own tv/radio/web show.

 

[Koko]

Ok so I am currently attending a community college and getting an Associates in Liberal Arts, I am planning on transferring to St. Ambrose University here in my home town and they have a 2 plus 2 program where you the gen eds at the community college all count when you transfer...

Now I was planning on getting a Bathelors in Computer Network Administration but lately I have been thinking about changing my major. I have always loved space since I was little kid and dreamed of going to MIT and becoming a theoretical physicist but I didn't think I was smart enough so I just went with the computer stuff... Now I am thinking about changing what I want to do next year. I am thinking about double majoring in Astronomy and Physics, my only problem is... with the networking degree I could get a job at John Deere here locally but I don't know where I would go for physics work... Locally or nationally.

Honestly I am not even sure what an astronomer or physicist does on a daily basis. I guess you could be a professor, researcher, or work for NASA or something. I am googling stuff at the moment but if anyone knows anything about the Astronomy of Physics fields and could chime in that would be appreciated.

double major in astronomy or physics...
What about a degree in astrophysics?

You're going to statistically have a harder time finding a job with a degree in physics than compared to a more practical IT degree or engineering.

A lot more careers for physics majors are theoretical, education-based, and research, if you want to do more hands-on stuff, you'll have to get lucky (which isn't impossible).

Also, a lot of the best jobs would be government-based.

 

[fade]

I'm not saying this because I'm a geology professor or anything, but what about geology? You can do a little bit of everything, including physics, chemistry, and astronomy. Plus, you can get a job. If you like, you can get one working outdoors in exotic locations. My last master's student signed on with an oil company for over 100K, plus a signing bonus. (Which is WAAAY more than I make, but I don't do what I do for the money.)

 

[Koko]

Or better yet, petroleum engineering.
Beats out the #2 most profitable major directly out of college by 20%

Get to go to...oil barges....and the middle east!

 

[Baerdog]

I'm not saying this because I'm a geology professor or anything, but what about geology? You can do a little bit of everything, including physics, chemistry, and astronomy. Plus, you can get a job. If you like, you can get one working outdoors in exotic locations. My last master's student signed on with an oil company for over 100K, plus a signing bonus. (Which is WAAAY more than I make, but I don't do what I do for the money.)

I worked at the Mars Space Flight Facility at ASU for a school year and a lot of the researchers in the building had geology degrees. I don't think there was a single physics degree in the entire department. Besides the geologists, there were a lot of computer programmers as well. If you were interested in working for NASA on any of their Martian or Lunar projects, either of those degrees would be a good way to go.

 

[fade]

Or better yet, petroleum engineering.
Beats out the #2 most profitable major directly out of college by 20%

Get to go to...oil barges....and the middle east!

I'm biased, because we have an ongoing rivalry with PE (who send a bunch of their students up to our classes--especially mine), but I think PE is boring as hell. It's all about the technical side of getting oil out of the...ZzzzzZZZzzzz...

oh, sorry. Fell asleep talking about it.

 

[Koko]

How is geology less boring?
(no sarcasm, curious.)

Where do you teach, by the way?

 

[fade]

Well, its subjective of course, but geology isn't some narrow technical field devoted to removing petroleum from the ground (being facetious of course). It's the closest thing out there to a "holistic" science. Or, it's the jack-of-all-trades of sciences. It's all about learning how the world around you works, which means you learn the stuff specific to geology, but you also learn physics and chemistry and biology. Or, if you like, geology is like reading the last page of a book and inferring the story that lead up to it, often by reading back through the mutilated older pages that you can find scattered around. Worse yet, the beginning of the book has been burned away completely.

I'm at University of Louisiana (at Lafayette) right now.

---------- Post added at 11:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:05 PM ----------

Also, if you're a PE, more power to you. Everyone loves what they love.

 

[drawn_inward]

If you can handle the math, I'd also say go for an engineering degree. Every engineer I know makes tons of dough.

 

[Koko]

A friend of mine started at $65,000 with a BS in computer engineering 1 month after graduation.

cha-cha-ching
12 of the top 15 money-making majors out of college are math-based.

 

[Jake]

If you're considering any scientific discipline, you need to go ahead and purge "locally" out of your mind. Otherwise, don't bother.

 

[HoboNinja]

Well yeah I figure with the science I wouldn't have a job in Iowa. There are some observatories around, the college I am transferring to has one like an hour away but yeah not a lot of the job stuff around here.


As for theoretical, research stuff... that actually sounds fun to me. I have had basic physics courses you know with motion and friction and all that stuff but I am way more interested in theoretical physics. Michio Kaku and Brian Greene are like my heroes.

So for NASA like geology? I might take a class in it to check out if I like it first, I actually thought about it for awhile after watching a video on the grand canyon but I am not sure if that's what I would want to do.

 

[HoboNinja]

I could always pull a Neil deGrasse Tyson and get a BA in Physics, MA in Astronomy, and PhD in Astrophysics

 

[Baerdog]

Just don't lock yourself out of your home.

 

[Chazwozel]

I'm not saying this because I'm a geology professor or anything, but what about geology? You can do a little bit of everything, including physics, chemistry, and astronomy. Plus, you can get a job. If you like, you can get one working outdoors in exotic locations. My last master's student signed on with an oil company for over 100K, plus a signing bonus. (Which is WAAAY more than I make, but I don't do what I do for the money.)

I was going to actually suggest geology. Thar be a lot of government work available in geology.

As for astrophysics. I don't want to be the party pooper, but you're going to be competing with people that are smarter than Einstein when it comes time to find a job. Physics is a HIGHLY INSANELY competitive field, and the top dawgs are the one's that do any cool shit.

---------- Post added at 07:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:01 PM ----------

If you're considering any scientific discipline, you need to go ahead and purge "locally" out of your mind. Otherwise, don't bother.

This too. I got EXTREMELY lucky in that I found a job that was 100 miles from my current home and I can take the train to work. Normally a Ph.D. track scientist will post-doc half way across the country from where he/she did his grad work.

 

[HoboNinja]

Hmm I will have to think about it and research it some more, geology just doesn't sound as exciting to me.

I have had a love of Space and Physics since I saw an interview with Michio Kaku on Tech TV when I was 11 or 12.

 

[HoboNinja]

Forum won't let me edit my post

but yeah...

I am planning on applying at both Iowa State and St. Ambrose and a couple more with decent physics programs in the general area just in case. But yeah I am wanting to do a BS in Physics with a minor in Astronomy and if I do well enough apply for the Astrophysics graduate program.

 

[Enresshou]

Hmm I will have to think about it and research it some more, geology just doesn't sound as exciting to me.

I have had a love of Space and Physics since I saw an interview with Michio Kaku on Tech TV when I was 11 or 12.

I say go for the switch and see where it takes you. Two and a half years ago I was an English major, and switched into biological sciences because I liked the idea of it; now I'm hopefully going onto a PhD next year in neuroscience.

Although it's not the easiest, the best thing I think you can do is just take the plunge and feel it out. A lot of overlapping disciplines/interdisciplinary programs are similar enough to where someone without experience might not be able to tell the difference (example being when I started, I wasn't sure if I wanted cell/molecular biology, biochemistry, or bioengineering, because all of them sounded fairly similar). You'll always wonder "what if" if you don't, and it's better to be doing what you want to, rather than the "safe" option. If it's meant for you, that passion and drive WILL sustain you (although, if you go the research track, you will find the same problems that drive you are also the ones driving you insane a good chunk of the time ).

If you think you want to go the research route, try to get some research experience while you're still an undergraduate. Not only is it virtually a requirement for graduate school (most places say 'strongly recommended', but every place I've talked to has said it's a major factor), but it helps you figure out a) if you're cut out for research, and b) if this is the research for you. There's a HUGE subset of fields in any discipline, and--regardless of the university you attend--there'll more than likely be a wide variety of research options for you.

Finally, in regards to the "I didn't feel I was smart enough" comment, remember the phrase, "Heights of great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight but rather, while their companions slept, were toiling through the night." You'll do fine

 

[Rob King]

Why not change to Philosophy?

You'll meet lots of exciting new people who live in their parents basement, listen only to the bits of lectures that justify their own life choices and opinions. The faculty will probably demean you for even sitting in the same class as said other people, but then refuse to acknowledge that you are trying to be a genuine human being.

All the way through, when people ask what you're going to school for, you can abashedly tell them 'Philosophy' which always elicits responses of pity and/or judgment. They will ask you what you can 'do' with a degree in philosophy, and you will have several years to come up with clever responses. My favorite responses are "understand philosophy," "not be an ignorant slut," "drive a cab," "deliver pizza," or "commit suicide."

At first, I tried to explain why their concern about what I can do with philosophy is a symptom of a very broken, utilitarian culture, but I've since described it as Moism, a Chinese philosophy, because it makes me sound more educated, more exotic, and at the end of it all, the person I'm speaking to rarely understands or cares anyhow.

At the end of your degree, you will be an educated man in a culture that holds ignorance near and dear to it's heart. And the world will reward you for your ideals by providing you with a uniform, team atmosphere, flexible hours, and 50% off meals at your nearest fast food joint.

 

[fade]

Hmm I will have to think about it and research it some more, geology just doesn't sound as exciting to me.

I have had a love of Space and Physics since I saw an interview with Michio Kaku on Tech TV when I was 11 or 12.

I guess it depends on what you mean by exciting. Sure, geology doesn't have the nerd-sexy that astrophysics does, but it does have day-to-day excitement. Plus, it's got the whole CSI aspect to it, since you can pick up and test your evidence. If you mean personal excitement, then go for the one that speaks to you more.

For the record, I'm actually a geophysicist. It's an offshoot of geology that's much more theoretical, physical, and mathematical, if that's your thing. That's where things like seismology and study of the earth's gravity and magnetic fields fall.

 

[HoboNinja]

Enresshou that quote is awesome!

Thanks guys for all the advice, I am trying to weigh my options. I am probably going to set up a campus visit to Iowa State, not sure when I will have time to make the 3 hour drive to Ames with work and school but I will do it. I will talk to the professors about my possibilities and look into the geology aspect.

 

[Bubble181]

Why not change to Philosophy?

You'll meet lots of exciting new people who live in their parents basement, listen only to the bits of lectures that justify their own life choices and opinions. The faculty will probably demean you for even sitting in the same class as said other people, but then refuse to acknowledge that you are trying to be a genuine human being.

All the way through, when people ask what you're going to school for, you can abashedly tell them 'Philosophy' which always elicits responses of pity and/or judgment. They will ask you what you can 'do' with a degree in philosophy, and you will have several years to come up with clever responses. My favorite responses are "understand philosophy," "not be an ignorant slut," "drive a cab," "deliver pizza," or "commit suicide."

At first, I tried to explain why their concern about what I can do with philosophy is a symptom of a very broken, utilitarian culture, but I've since described it as Moism, a Chinese philosophy, because it makes me sound more educated, more exotic, and at the end of it all, the person I'm speaking to rarely understands or cares anyhow.

At the end of your degree, you will be an educated man in a culture that holds ignorance near and dear to it's heart. And the world will reward you for your ideals by providing you with a uniform, team atmosphere, flexible hours, and 50% off meals at your nearest fast food joint.

Philosophy major high-five! Oh yeah!

 

[Twitch]

I guess it depends on what you mean by exciting. Sure, geology doesn't have the nerd-sexy that astrophysics does, but it does have day-to-day excitement. Plus, it's got the whole CSI aspect to it, since you can pick up and test your evidence. If you mean personal excitement, then go for the one that speaks to you more.

For the record, I'm actually a geophysicist. It's an offshoot of geology that's much more theoretical, physical, and mathematical, if that's your thing. That's where things like seismology and study of the earth's gravity and magnetic fields fall.

You look like a student that graduated from my school about three years ago in that picture. I felt like derailing.

 

[Rob King]

Philosophy major high-five! Oh yeah!

Awww yeaah!

 

[WolfOfOdin]

LAW! Go into Law and Medicine like me!

Seriously though, once I'm out of the army's mandatory tour of service as a surgeon, I hope to use my two doctorates to work for the FBI's psychiatric unit, odd as that sounds. Or possibly a Medical Examiner

 

[Chazwozel]

I guess it depends on what you mean by exciting. Sure, geology doesn't have the nerd-sexy that astrophysics does, but it does have day-to-day excitement. Plus, it's got the whole CSI aspect to it, since you can pick up and test your evidence. If you mean personal excitement, then go for the one that speaks to you more.

For the record, I'm actually a geophysicist. It's an offshoot of geology that's much more theoretical, physical, and mathematical, if that's your thing. That's where things like seismology and study of the earth's gravity and magnetic fields fall.

I think geology is probably one of the most exciting branches of science. You get down and dirty. The only thing probably more exciting is environmental biology disciplines. Actually, physics, especially, astrophysics and astronomy are probably the most drop dead boring science fields out there. They do math all day and analyze light spectra. And believe me, there is A LOT of math. Oh god, Physics 390 memories.... THE HORROR! THE HORROR!

...actually physical chemistry sucked a hard one the most...

 

[Rob King]

LAW! Go into Law and Medicine like me!

Seriously though, once I'm out of the army's mandatory tour of service as a surgeon, I hope to use my two doctorates to work for the FBI's psychiatric unit, odd as that sounds. Or possibly a Medical Examiner

I'm sure you know this, but you're basically awesome.

 

[Chazwozel]

LAW! Go into Law and Medicine like me!

Seriously though, once I'm out of the army's mandatory tour of service as a surgeon, I hope to use my two doctorates to work for the FBI's psychiatric unit, odd as that sounds. Or possibly a Medical Examiner

Damn you! That's what I wanted to do, but my wife wouldn't let me go to law school after I got my Ph.D.!

 

[HoboNinja]

I think geology is probably one of the most exciting branches of science. You get down and dirty. The only thing probably more exciting is environmental biology disciplines. Actually, physics, especially, astrophysics and astronomy are probably the most drop dead boring science fields out there. They do math all day and analyze light spectra. And believe me, there is A LOT of math. Oh god, Physics 390 memories.... THE HORROR! THE HORROR!

...actually physical chemistry sucked a hard one the most...

I think Math is fun...


I didn't do so hot my first year of college in Physics or Calculus (I had them both at the same time and didn't really do the homework).... but I am honestly really wanting to do this and I think I have the want enough to give myself the drive to work my ass off and do this. I have got by in life doing the minimum and being lazy but damnit this is something I really really want to do in my life and I am going to work at it.

 

[WolfOfOdin]

Some background and more info though:

I was, oddly enough an art major when I first started at college, but switched due to both not getting along with the faculty and the air of pompous jackassery that the students exuded. When changing majors, meet some of the faculty who'll be teaching your classes and make sure you get along with them.