Question about pursuing another degree (later in life)?

Question

I am 31 years old. I currently have my BS in Computer Science. I have been an armchair astronomer for quite some time now and am thinking about returning to school to pursue a graduate education in Astrophysics.

I will have to take all of the physics and chemistry and math courses (undergrad), as my major did not require those. Financially, I am in a position to take the time off to get all of those courses out of the way.

Realistically, can I hope to have a career in astrophysics, or is it too late? Do I still have time to pursue the educational requirements, get the publishing in I need to gain solid footing in the community (not in terms of notariety/fame, but it terms of securing a decent university position eventually, being an excellent candidate for hire and projects, etc.).

Thanks for any advice. I know 31 is young ... but when thinking about what I want to do .. it seems kind of old. Yikes.

Thanks again!

Answer 1

If your plan was to make a huge splash in astrophysics, then yes, it's likely too late. Most "splash" astrophysicists are publishing their big works in their 30's. It's kind of an age sensitive field re: that. This isn't a hard and fast rule, it's just a trend, but it's noticeable.  

But that's not your goal. Your goal is to get your PhD, and publish, and teach, and make a living and be happy. That, you can do. That is realistic. But I do ask you to try for two very important things, to make this path easier for you:

- Go to the best PhD astrophysics program that you can get into, and

- Go to a program that gives you full funding.

I want you to go to a program that gives you full funding - they pay your tuition (and sometimes a small stipend) in exchange for your work as a research assistant or TA. I don't want you to be held back from being able to work where you really want to work, post-grad, because you have huge debt. In the sciences, most decent programs will fully fund you. But some won't. Target those that will.

I want you to go to the best program you can get into so that you are more employable when you come out. Reputation of the program matters, and that reputation is often independent of that of their undergraduate college, so learn which schools are the best in your field, which ones are a good fit for you re: GPA, GRE and research interests, and etc.

For now, I'd have you visit a university that you like, and may want to apply to. Before you go, look into who teaches there, and what their research interests are. Make an appt. to speak to the professor whose research interests most closely match your own, and discuss your plans and options with him directly. See what he thinks of your opportunities once you graduate, both in academia and in business.  

Answer 2

I did my undergraduate course with some mature students - one in his 50's starting a course which lasted 7 years. If it is what you want to do - go for it. chances are you will get more out of it at this age than if you had done it when you were younger. I did a post grad in my late 40's and am glad I did (although doing it part time did tend to take over my life).