Astrophysicist Salary: Opportunities & Income

[thinkies]

Studying physics itself is difficult because you need a lot of practice problems to work on to understand a concept. This itself takes up a lot of time and effort. If you've seen threads on what grad school is like for just physics alone, like for example, these threads:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=209962
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=207838


You probably don't even want to think about doing TWO post-grad degrees at the same time.

Hmmm, well biology is something in which my family 'expertise'. And i have read couple books. I have fairly a good knowledge for my age. As for physics, i am very competent and i work hard. Time is not a problem, nor the effort i will have to spend...

I will be only doing master in biology, its not that easy but its not tough either...(im good understanding things, i don't 'memorize'...:P ) and *phD physics*...physic will likely be though...but I am ready ;)...

 

[thinkies]

can someone tell if its possible doing master in biology and phD in physics within somewhat 10-15 years, starting from college, having both classes, biology+physics...

And, just how though biology? It doesn't requir math, well not much, so I am quit ok with that. I am good at understand human body stuff, their functions, etc etc

As for math, in physics, i know its demanding, but i guess i am pretty competent and i'll manage it...;)

i love astronomy...to an extreme extent ...o.0...:D

 

[thinkies]

bump. sorry. don't have patience, i know there are other people in the forum...but i would appreciate if someone could give me answers to my above questions...

 

[chroot]

Thanks for the answers above. As for me not worrying taking decision, I really have to worry. Next year, in 10th grade, there will be 3 kinds of math, among them i will have to chose ONE.

Nothing you do in high school matters -- at all -- in your final selection of a career. You're too young to understand this, but trust me, it doesn't matter at all. Just do well in whatever class you decide to take. Your grades are much more important than your chosen topics. You can (and will) change your mind numerous times over the next few years. Relax.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

Any ideas how much it'll take me *MASTER* in *biology* + *phD* in *physics(astrophysics/astronomy specialization)*?

You need to relax. This is literally nothing more than pie-in-the-sky make-believe. It's a waste of your time to think this far ahead, and it's a waste of our time to take it seriously.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

You need to relax. This is literally nothing more than pie-in-the-sky make-believe. It's a waste of your time to think this far ahead, and it's a waste of our time to take it seriously.

- Warren

Sure, i am relax...i just need the time it would take...im simply curious...im not thinking of a career *now*...i have other activites to do...while it'll last, probably college/uni won't provide me much time to enjoy ...

 

[thinkies]

Nothing you do in high school matters -- at all -- in your final selection of a career. You're too young to understand this, but trust me, it doesn't matter at all. Just do well in whatever class you decide to take. Your grades are much more important than your chosen topics. You can (and will) change your mind numerous times over the next few years. Relax.

- Warren

In Canada, it does matter what math i'll be taking. Let's say i take math and techno-science and in college i apply for physics, they will be wanting me re-do my high school math( in a year) in math and science...i hate the ministry of education in Canada. They want us to start thinking *now*...

 

[chroot]

Look, I have a bachelor's degree and am almost done with a master's degree. I did a college prep program in high school and worked my butt off in all kinds of classes. I'm telling you that it essentially does not matter what you do in high school. Just try to take the most advanced classes you can find. Try to take calculus in high school, because that will make things easier for you in college. Past that, it doesn't matter.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

Sure, i am relax...i just need the time it would take...im simply curious...im not thinking of a career *now*...

You're trying to figure out how many Ph.D.'s you want to get while you're in ninth grade! And you can't even properly spell it!

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

You're trying to figure out how many Ph.D.'s you want to get while you're in ninth grade! And you can't even properly spell it!

- Warren

I am not trying to figure out how many "Ph.D's" I want. I am aiming 1 Ph.D degree in astronomy/astrophysics. However, I am *considering* a master degree in something related with medicine...

And...I am simply trying to have a rough of idea about careers... :(

 

[thinkies]

Look, I have a bachelor's degree and am almost done with a master's degree. I did a college prep program in high school and worked my butt off in all kinds of classes. I'm telling you that it essentially does not matter what you do in high school. Just try to take the most advanced classes you can find. Try to take calculus in high school, because that will make things easier for you in college. Past that, it doesn't matter.

- Warren

Your doing a master degree in what? Physics? Biology?

 

[chroot]

Have I not made this clear yet?

It is probably too early for you to even be considering a major in undergraduate school. It is laughably, preposterously early for you to be considering a post-graduate degree at all, much less more than one.

Just take the highest classes you can, do well in them, and let the rest come naturally. You have years and years left to make these decisions, and whatever "decision" you make now will almost certainly change.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

Your doing a master degree in what? Physics? Biology?

Electrical engineering. My undergrad was in computer engineering.

- Warren

 

[leakin99]

Thinkies,

I think you should try to put your efforts into gaining admission to an IB program somewhere in your school district (if your school doesn't offer it). I think the program usually starts from grade 10. It'll be very demanding but you might get a better hold of what you want to do since you'll cover much more material in each of the subjects than compared to regular HS.

 

[thinkies]

Thinkies,

I think you should try to put your efforts into gaining admission to an IB program somewhere in your school district (if your school doesn't offer it). I think the program usually starts from grade 10. It'll be very demanding but you might get a better hold of what you want to do since you'll cover much more material in each of the subjects than compared to regular HS.

What does IB stand for ^.^...?

 

[chroot]

What does IB stand for ^.^...?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Baccalaureate

This is the college-prep program I went through. I got the diploma in 1997. It's an excellent program, and I was very well prepared for college... but again, there wasn't a single decision I made in high school that had any lasting effect whatsoever on my college education or career.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Baccalaureate

This is the college-prep program I went through. I got the diploma in 1997. It's an excellent program, and I was very well prepared for college... but again, there wasn't a single decision I made in high school that had any lasting effect whatsoever on my college education or career.

- Warren

In Canada, specially in the province of Quebec, high school ends after completing the 11th grade...I quit didnt understood the wikipedia text ^.^...should i take this program before getting in college...or when? my school doesn't offer this...would appreciate if you can give me more info/tips...

Thanks.

 

[chroot]

thinkies,

Here's what you need to do:

1) Identify the most sophisticated classes that your high school offers, in math and science in particular.
2) Take them.
3) Do well in them.

That's all.

- Warren

 

[BioCore]

No Biology is all about memorizing and understanding facts and concepts. This is why I love Biology more than Chem and Physics. Although Organic Chem ain't too bad! But yeah don't worry about the brain hemorrhage lol.

 

[thinkies]

No Biology is all about memorizing and understanding facts and concepts. This is why I love Biology more than Chem and Physics. Although Organic Chem ain't too bad! But yeah don't worry about the brain hemorrhage lol.

There are certain things to memorize, obvious...but what i was trying to say that i am good at understand it too. As of of now we are learning the lymphatic system in science class...and we had a test, practically everyone failed, except 2-3 students..but hey, i passed with 92% xD...

And...now,getting to back to some sirious stuff, what do you think about internal medicine...is it relatively easy compare to other fields?
Do you know any better fields (excluding surgery stuff...=.=,i hate them)

Thanks!

 

[thinkies]

and master degree is fairly a good degree right?...i mean it pays of something in 6 digits xxx xxx $ =.=...in medicine of course.

 

[chroot]

And...now,getting to back to some sirious stuff, what is an MD? is it like having a master degree in some field of medicine?

It's a medical doctorate. It's not a master's of anything. It's the general medical education every medical doctor receives, before beginning internship and residency. Medical school is generally a four-year program, and generally must be done after completing an undergraduate degree. Upon graduating from medical school, one becomes an MD, but is not yet licensed to practice medicine. An exam must be taken to obtain a license to practice medicine, and the exam varies by locality. During internship, which generally lasts one year, new MDs are put through a rotation to get experience with different specialties. After internship comes residency, which can last as many as seven years. At this point the new doctors are paid, full-fledged doctors, but are still receiving "on the job" training. The work of residents is managed and reviewed by more senior doctors, and they are given gradually increasing responsibility as they learn. Surgical specialties often have the longest residencies.

And what do you think about internal medicine...is it relatively easy compare to other fields?
Do you know any better fields (excluding surgery stuff...=.=,i hate them)

The easiest specialty is that which you enjoy most. Many specialties involve little or no surgery. Neurology, cardiology, etc.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

and master degree is fairly a good degree right?...i mean it pays of something in 6 digits xxx xxx $ =.=...in medicine of course.

There is no "master's of medicine." You can get a master's in various kinds of biology which might have medical applications -- your work may even be used by doctors -- but you cannot practice medicine without an MD (and without passing the boards).

Master's degrees indicate no particular salary. Someone with a master's in electrical engineering (note the spelling -- it's not a "master degree," it's a "master's degree") will probably make more than someone with a master's in french poetry.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

There is no "master's of medicine." You can get a master's in various kinds of biology which might have medical applications -- your work may even be used by doctors -- but you cannot practice medicine without an MD.

- Warren

Oh...cool
So that would mean an MD is basically a Ph.D type?

 

[chroot]

No, an MD is a medical doctorate. A Ph.D. is a doctorate in "philosophy," which loosely includes most kinds of science and humanities. They each represent roughly the same level of education, but they are distinct and not interchangeable at all. They can also differ in time invested. Medical school generally takes four years, but some kinds of Ph.D.s can take seven or more years to complete. There are other kinds of doctorates, too. One can also obtain a Juris Doctor (JD), after graduating from law school, for example.

- Warren

 

[BioCore]

simple put thinkies, MD (Medical Doctorate) is just a general program with classes and then at the end practical experience. PhD. as an actual research program where you make a thesis that you will prove or disprove in certain times.

 

[thinkies]

Chroot, thanks a bunch for those multiple answers you are providing, very useful, thanks a bunch. Hmm now, what do you think of aerospace medicine? Is it a good field,beside its relevant with space and medicine...can i get a master degree in that with a ph.d degree in astronomy/astrophysics? does that sound good...?

 

[thinkies]

simple put thinkies, MD (Medical Doctorate) is just a general program with classes and then at the end practical experience. PhD. as an actual research program where you make a thesis that you will prove or disprove in certain times.

Thanks, also, what are your thoughts regarding aerospace medicine?

Thanks ;)

 

[thinkies]

also, what about his salary( aerospace medicine specialist)?? xxx xxx $ :P?
IM *not* being greedy...but hey, i want a to have a flexible life in future...u know ...o.0

 

[chroot]

Chroot, thanks a bunch for those multiple answers you are providing, very useful, thanks a bunch. Hmm now, what do you think of aerospace medicine? Is it a good field,beside its relevant with space and medicine...can i get a master degree in that with a ph.d degree in astronomy/astrophysics? does that sound good...?

No, it doesn't sound good. I'd say (as I've said about ten times already) that you're far too young to be trying to figure out your educational career for the next two decades. You don't even know what the degrees are, much less whether or not you can or will obtain them. Chill out. You've got three years of high school left, so concentrate on them.

And no, you generally cannot obtain a master's degree in one field and then obtain a Ph.D. in another, unless the fields are exceptionally closely related. You're not going to be able to go from medicine to astrophysics, no matter how smart you are -- it just isn't possible. You seem to be drastically underestimating the amount of education that goes into being a practicing doctor, or a professional astrophysicst. Each of those careers require something like 10 years of highly specialized education. If you want both degrees, you will probably need to spend twenty or more years in a university, not making a dime. Since you seem so highly motivated by money, it doesn't sound reasonable at all.

You should also realize that in the physical sciences, a master's degree is often given as a "consolation prize." In other words, everyone attempts to obtain a Ph.D., and if you fail for some reason, you're kicked out and given a master's. If you decide to pursue astrophysics, you will need to pursue it whole-heartedly, starting in the later years of your undergraduate degree.

You will almost assuredly have to abandon these wacky ideas about obtaining multiple degrees in totally disparate fields. It isn't a menu -- you don't just go to a university and order a master's in one thing, an MD, and then top it off with a Ph.D. in astrophysics.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

also, what about his salary( aerospace medicine specialist)?? xxx xxx $ :P?
IM *not* being greedy...but hey, i want a to have a flexible life in future...u know ...o.0

Aerospace medicine is still just a branch of medicine. You'll need to attend medical school, and pass the licensing exam. You'll probably make a fine salary, but I'd venture it's a pretty small field.

- Warren

 

[BioCore]

I am not sure what aerospace medicine exactly is or how good the industry is doing so won't be of much help. But you should really just take a break and relax a bit, believe me when you get int University a lot of your high school perceptions and ideas will be challenged.

I have friends who constantly talked about going into Medical school, now after their first year is almost over they are thinking of doing pharmacy, some are thinking of actually going into a different field such as chemistry.

 

[thinkies]

No, it doesn't sound good. I'd say (as I've said about ten times already) that you're far too young to be trying to figure out your educational career for the next two decades. You don't even know what the degrees are, much less whether or not you can or will obtain them. Chill out. You've got three years of high school left, so concentrate on them.

And no, you generally cannot obtain a master's degree in one field and then obtain a Ph.D. in another, unless the fields are exceptionally closely related. You're not going to be able to go from medicine to astrophysics, no matter how smart you are -- it just isn't possible. You seem to be drastically underestimating the amount of education that goes into being a practicing doctor, or a professional astrophysicst. Each of those careers require something like 10 years of highly specialized education. If you want both degrees, you will probably need to spend twenty or more years in a university, not making a dime. Since you seem so highly motivated by money, it doesn't sound reasonable at all.

You should also realize that in the physical sciences, a master's degree is often given as a "consolation prize." In other words, everyone attempts to obtain a Ph.D., and if you fail for some reason, you're kicked out and given a master's. If you decide to pursue astrophysics, you will need to pursue it whole-heartedly, starting in the later years of your undergraduate degree.

You will almost assuredly have to abandon these wacky ideas about obtaining multiple degrees in totally disparate fields. It isn't a menu -- you don't just go to a university and order a master's in one thing, an MD, and then top it off with a Ph.D. in astrophysics.

- Warren

Well, I am happy to clear those many misconceptions i had...also $ is NOT MUCH of a motivatin, neither my top-commitment...

1 last questions...=.=,hopefully, is radiology related with physics? if so,as you mentioned,if those 2 fields are closely related, i will be able to get a master degree in radiology and a phd in astronomy/astrophysics...?i can end up with those degrees the same time by having classes in those fields everyday (starting from college or w/e).
And i hope your not frustrated from my questions...though it seems like you are :(...

Thanks a bunch!

 

[chroot]

Well, I am happy to clear those many misconceptions i had...also $ is NOT MUCH of a motivatin, neither my top-commitment...

Then stop asking about it.

1 last questions...=.=,hopefully, is radiology related with physics? if so,as you mentioned,if those 2 fields are closely related,

They are not closely related at all.

i will be able to get a master degree in radiology and a phd in astronomy/astrophysics...?

A radiologist is a medical doctor who has specialized in radiology. It requires an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, internship, and residency -- perhaps a total of ten to twelve years of total training. A radiologic technologist, a person who simply takes the pictures, is a relatively low-skilled profession that generally requires only a few years of training, and may not even require an undergraduate degree in some localities.

As I have said multiple times, the only way to become an astrophysicist is to obtain an undergraduate education in physics, and then attend a Ph.D. program. This is, again, ten to twelve years of total education.

THEY ARE NOT RELATED, AND DO NOT OVERLAP, IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER. PERIOD.

i can end up with those degrees the same time by having classes in those fields everyday (starting from college or w/e).

You cannot do both at once. Your only hope is to do one after the other, spending approximately 20 years in school.

And i hope your not frustrated from my questions...though it seems like you are :(...

I am frustrated, because you appear to not be reading my responses at all. I keep saying the same things, over and over and over again.

- Warren

 

[Vid]

There are programs in medical physics (LSU has one for BS, MS, and Ph.D levels,) but it still doesn't make you a doctor. It just makes you a physicist who mainly does research in nuclear science with attention to medical applications.