Starting over at 46?

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One of my great passions in life as been astronomy. I studied it at University to limited success. I entered University taking honors Chemistry, honors Mathematics, and your typical physics and astronomy classes.

But somewhere along the line, I couldn't make it happen. My grades steadily declined. I've spent 20 years trying to figure out how this happened. Was it immaturity, embarrassment, too proud to get help? I was also struggling with Aspergers then, which I didn't really know what it was back then.

The reason the idea continues to call to me is because I actually left my degree program for a number of years when my father passed away. So many things fell apart when he passed...but that's a different thread. After about 4 years, I decided to return to University and finish my degree by taking the final few classes I needed. In one of the most difficult classes, electrodynamics, I got a respectable B+. This I attribute to more maturity and the help of a rather supportive study partner.

So I'm wondering is it possible to return to University and pursue the same degree? If that is possible, is it a good idea? I know this time I wouldn't try to waste my time 'fitting' in. But is this urge just a stupid mid-life crisis sort of thing?

Any thoughts welcome.

It's certainly possible.

What are the actual prospects for someone with a BS in Astronomy? My gut feeling is that is basically a hobby degree and that nearly everyone who doesn't go on to a Masters and PhD never actually work in the field other than maybe in support roles.

It might be worth looking at a degree in something closely related like Physics instead.

The main trouble with studying astronomy is that even starting at 18, you would be unlikely to attain a position until well past age 30. Even a PhD will not do the trick. The number of positions is very small. However, if you already have most of a degree done then you should certainly finish it. You can always get a Masters in something else, or continue the astronomy study if you are able.

I wish very much I could have studied astronomy. Unfortunately, bullying made school impossible for me for about ten years starting at age 11. I made up for it by building a nice observatory in the yard and doing photoelectric photometry and similar. Now, I am going to college but am studying computer science. It hits me hard that I did not get to study astronomy, though! I am the number-1 most interested person in the world, I do believe.

AG

It is certainly worth doing something just for the sake of doing it. I like to start on a project and finish it, it at all possible.

There are two aspects to a college degree. Any college degree from a reputable institution is helpful in employment.

It can be helpful to get a degree in a valued field--engineering for example, but not always. Newly graduated nursing students are having a tough time because employers also want experience...

I have the Bachelor in Science for Astrophysics. Problem is that my GPA ended horribly...like 2.8 or something.

Maybe I could take refresher courses, and attempt a Masters then PhD? Does that seem like a better course?

I know the positions are extremely limited. I've never let the odds in anything stop me.

That's not too horrible. People do graduate work with a 2.8 all the time. At the college I attend they get people into master's programs all the time with that kind of GPA. You just can't be to picky about where you go.

I have read that people with degrees in astronomy and astrophysics actually have very good job prospects, just not in the field. But it is best not to worry about that anyhow, if you can get by okay. AG

YES!! ! I am 46 and holding a 4.0 - go!! !! !

One step at a time - going is the first. You should have seen my track record - yikes! I couldn't imagine not being in classes - honest. People raised their eyebrows - I am not properly conventional for a middle aged lady - so what? I work up there now - last laugh is fun

Going back to school as an older student had definite nice touches over being a conventional student. The treatment from the staff and profs is generally much better than for the younger students.

I failed high school miserably.

When you are a 'mature student' - it matters less. I had to submit a resume, and life counts for something.

Though you may need upgrading fora science - such as math. Nothing too painful. You don't have to make up every single year.

At Texas A&M, undergraduate courses never expire but graduate courses expire after ten years.

If you skip a few years and come back, you can be required to retake every graduate course that is on your degree plan.

I don't know how they do it at other schools.

i got my ba at age 48,, after taking,,time off to raise my son,,, problem i had was they figured in all my schools.. i had attended,,,,my first gpa wasn't very good..so even though i pulled a 3.6 in the second attempt,,, my over all is 2.7,, so i didn't get honors.. even though my gpa at the final school was high enough,, my over all was not..


Im planning to go back for computer science,,, in education,, for special needs kids,, i am 54,,,will conquer issues as theycome up,,it can be done.

I graduated on time from a top, exacting school, with a crummy gpa, with issues I had no clue stemmed from a neurology not then known. I am trying to finish a masters now at 45+, with a 3.6 gpa until last term, though midway through the degree learned that I am aspie.