PhD in Physics or Astronomy: Which is Better for Industry Careers?

In summary, when it comes to choosing between a PhD in physics or a PhD in astronomy for a career in astrophysics and cosmology, it ultimately depends on the specific project and supervisor rather than the department. The degree itself will not necessarily differentiate between physics and astronomy, and employers are more concerned with the technical skills and reputation of the program rather than the specific subject. However, in some cases, a PhD in physics may be more marketable due to the broader range of technical skills acquired. Overall, the choice should be based on personal interests and career goals rather than the perceived career opportunities associated with the degree.
  • #1
planethunter
104
0
I am looking into a graduate program in either physics or astronomy. I plan on studying astrophysics and cosmology, but am not sure which route I should move towards- a phd in physics or phd in astronomy since I heard that if you get a phd in astronomy rather than physics it hurts your options careerwise.

Any advice?
 
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  • #2
PhD's aren't usualy in a subject as such. all it will say on the certificate is the school/faculty/institute that issued it - you can describe it as physics to an employer if you want.
 
  • #3
planethunter said:
I am looking into a graduate program in either physics or astronomy. I plan on studying astrophysics and cosmology, but am not sure which route I should move towards- a phd in physics or phd in astronomy since I heard that if you get a phd in astronomy rather than physics it hurts your options careerwise.

Any advice?


The content of your PhD is determined by your supervisor. In general, when you're applying to grad school you're actually applying to a professor (this works a little different at some prestigous schools in the states). So if you want to do astrophysics and cosmology then find a prof doing what you like. As for your degree, at my school, we just have the one "Physics and Astronomy Department" so it's all one department so your piece of paper won't dillineate between them. It will all depend on how you package it on your resume.
 
  • #4
mgb_phys said:
PhD's aren't usualy in a subject as such. all it will say on the certificate is the school/faculty/institute that issued it - you can describe it as physics to an employer if you want.

At a school like UCLA, you have separate phd programs in physics and astronomy. So you are saying that a university doesn't really care if your phd is in physics or astronomy when you apply for a position there?
 
  • #5
As maverick said the content of the PhD is the project. You don't do a Phd in physics you do a PhD in "Some boring modelling of some uninteresting star".
You could do this in the Institute of Astronomy, the Cavendish laboratory (physics dept) or the Department of applied maths and theoretical physics. All it says on your PhD is the school of physical sciences.

An employer just cares that it was physics-ish and not english literature, An academic job cares about your papers, your supervisor's reputation and how much grant money you can bring in.
 
  • #6
In the US, often PhD programs are combined with masters coursework, so sometimes there are real differences between a PhD in physics and one in astronomy - I've had a few profs who attended astronomy PhD programs, and they didn't take as many physics courses as those required by physics PhD programs (only one semester of graduate E&M and quantum instead of two, fewer math-physics courses, etc). They have told us that a physics PhD is simply more marketable than an astronomy PhD.
 
  • #7
Industry hires PhDs for one of three reasons.

They want specific technical skills, so a company making superconducting magnets for MRIs is going to be hiring PhDs from particle physics experiments with experience in magnet design cryogenics etc. They don't care if the beam line is housed in the physics dept or astronomy dept.

They want a technical manager that 'outranks' all their other engineers, a Phd trumps a degree. They are semi-interested in what work you actualy did day-to-day.

They are Wall st and want to hire 'smart' people. They ask for a PhD so they only have to look through 20 applicants instead of 2000. They are interested in where you went to school if it means they only have to read 3 MIT/Caltech/Stanford applications.

None of these cares if you took graduate GR in the astronomy dept or graduate QM in the physics dept. In industry a famous school matters, in academea a famous supervisor matters.
 

FAQ: PhD in Physics or Astronomy: Which is Better for Industry Careers?

What is the difference between physics and astronomy?

Physics is the study of matter, energy, and the interactions between them. It deals with the laws and principles that govern the behavior of the physical world. Astronomy, on the other hand, is the study of celestial objects such as stars, planets, and galaxies. It focuses on the origin, evolution, and properties of these objects, using principles from physics to understand them.

How are physics and astronomy related?

Physics and astronomy are closely related as they both deal with the fundamental laws and principles of the universe. Many concepts and theories in physics are used to explain phenomena observed in astronomy. For example, the laws of gravity and motion are essential in understanding the movement of celestial objects.

What are some common branches of physics and astronomy?

Some common branches of physics include classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics. In astronomy, there are various sub-disciplines, such as astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, and observational astronomy.

How do scientists use physics and astronomy in their research?

Scientists use physics and astronomy in their research to understand the physical laws and properties of the universe. They use mathematical models and experiments to test theories and make predictions about the behavior of celestial objects. They also use advanced technologies, such as telescopes and spacecraft, to gather data and make observations.

What are some real-world applications of physics and astronomy?

Physics and astronomy have many practical applications in our daily lives. For example, they are crucial in the development of technologies like GPS, satellite communications, and medical imaging devices. They also help us understand natural phenomena such as climate change and the behavior of the solar system. Additionally, the study of physics and astronomy has led to many advancements in the fields of engineering, energy production, and materials science.

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