What are the careers to pursue, involving theoretical astrophysics?

Nasim (A.K.A Mohammed): What are the careers to pursue, involving theoretical astrophysics?
Greetings. I request an elaborate answer, about the careers available for a PhD in theoretical astrophysics. I also request information about the courses and institutions to get along with to hold a PhD degree in the subject. Serious answers appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks! All aswers are great… Specially applies to Larry… Thanks mate!
Gee, Will… Thanks

Answers and Views:

Answer by eri
Theoretical astrophysics is a way of approaching a field, not a field in itself. You would hold a PhD in physics (or maybe astrophysics, but physics is better) and apply the methods of theory to a particular field – particle physics, solar physics, galactic astronomy, cosmology, etc.

In the US, theorists are hired by colleges and universities, national labs, and NASA. Start by getting a bachelors degree in physics (a math double major would be good). Then go on for a PhD in physics at an institution that would let you do astronomy as well – like U Chicago, CalTech, MIT, Princeton, Yale, or UT Austin.

Answer by Larry454
Nasim –

I think you will find that a degree in astrophysics (and Eri is right – the degree is not really in “astrophysics”, but something like physics, astronomy, or science) will create new opportunities for you that cannot be predicted. With such a degree, you can do almost anything you want to do, for example:

1. Astrophysicist at a government sponsored facility, like JPL or Sandia or Bell.

2. Adjunct professor in astrophysics working toward a tenured position at any one of several recognized universities, like Caltech, Stanford, Purdue, Michigan, Georgia Tech, MIT, etc etc

3. Scientist at engineering firms that do contract work for NASA, like Lockheed, Boeing, etc

4. Astronomer or astronomy professor

5. High school teacher

6. About a jillion other options that will become clear as you proceed. I can think of several, like writer, musician, artist, pilot, plumber, … whatever – the point is, there will be no doors closed to you. You will be able to do whatever you want to do.

As far as academic options, I have listed several schools above that I’m sure would be able to help you. You can count on a lot of math and a lot of physics and chemistry. You are probably not concerned about those classes, but the work load will be significant. You can certainly contact the admissions offices of those schools to see what kind of programs are available. If you are not in the U.S., you can do the same for any schools anywhere I would think.

Best of luck. The point is to set a goal and work for it. You can always modify it later, when you see what options open up to you. There will be thousands of them.

Answer by Dump the liberals into Jupiter
You could be the first to model stars with weird compositions that nobody has ever solved the equations for before. Perhaps you can find a composition for a stellar atmosphere that would reflect most of the radiation back into the star’s interior. Wonder what happens then? Or maybe you could figure out what happens when a star core is rotating one way and its envelope is initially rotating in the opposite direction. You might discover that the right combination of supernova and black holes can produce a coherent neutrino beam and propose that such beams be searched for (with, of course, a hefty government subsidy). It’s important to understand such things, so be sure to do it right.

Answer by fractal.scatter
I’m doing a degree in astrophysics at the moment (MSci Astrophysics), and there are some students studying for theoretical physics in my department.

The actual final degree is awarded in a specific subject depending on exactly which modules you take in second and third (and fourth) years of the degee.

For example, in their third years; a straight physics student would take Solid State Physics and Advanced Electromagnetic Theory; an astrophysics student would take Cosmology & Extragalactic Astrophysics and Physics of Stellar Evolution; and a theoretical physics student would take Quantum Field Theory and Mathematical Methods for General Relativity.

Everyone gets a few modules that are open, as in they can be taken from any field of physics (or even math and chemistry). So I could take modules that usually theoreticians take, or vice-versa.

As for careers; many people either end up in the financial sector, teaching and research (you usually teach to pay for your research PhD), or go into industry (engineering, R&D, etc).

All physics degrees are *very* mathematical though, so employers looking for high levels of numerical competency and logical training will like you for this degree.

Answer by Will
You should be a rocket scientist your very intelligent