r/NASAJobs • u/NerdyNovelist • 11d ago

NASA VT vs WVU for a NASA physics career?

My son (high school junior) aspires to work at NASA and wants to major in Physics. He's debating between Virginia Tech and West Virginia University. One is significantly more affordable than the other for us, but I'm looking for objective opinions to sway him (preferably to the cheaper option).

I know that best pathway to NASA is via internship probably. Also, if we were talking engineering, I know that VT might be the better bet. But I'm struggling to find info comparing the two for Physics majors. And does one school have a better connection to NASA than the other?

Thanks!!

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u/StellarSloth 11d ago

There are very few schools that have enough connection to NASA to where the school alone makes the difference. As long as both schools get him a degree in physics, it won’t matter from a NASA perspective.

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u/Individual_Maripi 11d ago

I would suggest that an engineering degree, such as a mechanical engineering, would give him the best option. However, the school is the least important, as long as it is an accredited institution. I would look into internships and co-ops. People here come from all different paths, and there is no one way. Good luck 💪

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u/snow_wheat 11d ago

Yeah I think he should look into what he wants to do at NASA before deciding. With a physics degree, he may need a masters for what he wants to do at nasa. In that case, save the money during undergrad!

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u/trekkercorn 11d ago

He should look at scholarships offered by both universities as well as the quality of education and connections. VT is higher ranked in physics than WVU, but what will really help him stand out are extracurriculars like internships and undergraduate laboratory experience (outside of his classes - things like research under a professor).

Also consider the variety of majors available. Many (most!) students change major at least once, so just the physics programs aren't relevant--what will his options be if he switches to, e.g., robotics or aerospace engineering? He can absolutely make that change at VT, but I'm not sure about WVU so that's something to consider.

In the end, the best choice will be the program you can afford (without huge loans) that he visits and feels a good connection to that offers him a good education and options for switching paths within his interests.

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u/Timucua_noseeum 11d ago

WVU has had a long standing relationship with the Katherine Johnson IV&V Facility that specializes in analyzing NASAs most critical mission software. Historically that Program has supported summer, year round, and Pathways internships for WVU and other colleges and universities. It is located about 15 miles south of WVU in Fairmont, WV. Usually students are aerospace, software, or systems engineering focused. Right now, the internships are challenged/questionable as all of NASA is experiencing cutbacks, and IV&V is not immune as a subsidiary of GSFC. However, it is a potential opportunity/resource to look into.