* Aerospace Engineering: This is the most direct route. Courses will cover:
* Fluid Mechanics: Essential for understanding airflow around rockets and propulsion systems.
* Thermodynamics: Crucial for designing engines and understanding energy transfer.
* Propulsion: Specific study of rocket engines, their design, and operation.
* Aerodynamics: Analyzing how air interacts with rockets during flight.
* Flight Mechanics/Orbital Mechanics: Understanding how rockets move through space and achieving desired trajectories.
* Aircraft/Spacecraft Structures: Designing strong and lightweight structures to withstand the stresses of launch and flight.
* Control Systems: Designing systems to keep the rocket stable and on course.
* Astrodynamics: The study of spacecraft trajectories and motion in space.
* Mechanical Engineering: A strong background in mechanical engineering provides a solid foundation in many of the principles used in aerospace engineering. You could potentially specialize in areas like propulsion or robotics.
* Electrical Engineering: Especially important for designing the guidance, navigation, and control systems of rockets, as well as onboard computers and instrumentation.
Supporting Courses (Highly Recommended):
* Physics: A strong physics background is fundamental to understanding the principles behind aerospace engineering. Classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics are particularly important.
* Mathematics: Advanced calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and potentially numerical analysis are critical for solving complex engineering problems.
* Computer Science: Essential for simulations, data analysis, and control system design. Programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) are highly valuable.
* Chemistry: Useful for understanding materials science and the chemical processes involved in propulsion.
Beyond the Bachelor's:
Most rocket scientists pursue a Master's degree (M.S.) or a Doctorate (Ph.D.) to specialize further and contribute to advanced research and development.
In summary, while there isn't a "rocket scientist" major, a degree in Aerospace Engineering is the most direct path. However, a strong foundation in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, coupled with the right electives, can also lead to a successful career in this field. Remember that a strong foundation in math, physics, and computer science is essential regardless of the chosen major.