NASA asks astronaut candidates for an advanced degree in a science, technology, engineering, or math field, a stretch of professional experience, and the ability to pass a long-duration spaceflight physical. The agency selects only a few people from each application round, so the degree is the entry ticket and not a guarantee.
The good news is that the degree rules are broad. You do not need one specific major, and several backgrounds qualify. Here is what NASA lists, which majors fit it, and how to plan the years before you apply.
What Are the NASA Astronaut Requirements?
NASA lists a short set of basic requirements for astronaut candidates. Meeting them makes you eligible to apply, and the Astronaut Selection Board then reviews applications and interviews qualified candidates at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
| Requirement | What NASA lists |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen |
| Education | Master’s degree in a STEM field, or two years toward a STEM doctorate, or a completed MD or DO, or a nationally recognized test pilot school program |
| Experience | At least two years of related professional experience after your degree, or 1,000 hours as pilot in command on jet aircraft |
| Health | Pass the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical |
| Skills | Leadership, teamwork, and communication |
What Degree Do You Need to Be an Astronaut?
The education requirement is a master’s degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics from an accredited school. A bachelor’s degree alone does not meet it, so most candidates plan on graduate study or an equivalent route.
The alternatives are two years of work toward a doctoral program in a related field, a completed medical degree, or completion of a nationally recognized test pilot school program. If you want to compare graduate options, see the master’s degree program rankings and the doctoral program rankings.
Which Majors Fit the Astronaut Path?
NASA names broad fields, so the best major is the one that builds real technical skill and leads to work you can do well for years. That work is also what supplies the professional experience NASA asks for.
Aerospace and Other Engineering
Aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and related engineering degrees fit the engineering field and lead to spacecraft and systems work. See the aerospace engineering rankings.
Physical Science
Physics, astronomy, astrophysics, geology, and planetary science qualify as physical science. Compare astronomy and astrophysics programs or planetary science programs.
Biological Science and Medicine
Biology, physiology, and related fields qualify, and so does a completed medical degree.
Computer Science and Mathematics
Software, data, and mathematical modeling skills are listed fields and are used across mission work.
How Do You Get the Required Experience?
The two years of related professional experience come after you finish your degree. Engineers can get it designing or testing hardware. Scientists can get it in research. Pilots can meet the alternative by logging 1,000 hours as pilot in command on jet aircraft.
Military service is a common source of both flying and technical experience, and the service academy program rankings cover that undergraduate route. Mission operations work is another way to build relevant experience, as described in our space operations degree guide.
How Should You Plan the Years Before You Apply?
Pick a field you would be glad to work in even if you are never selected. The odds of selection are small, and a strong career in engineering, science, or medicine is worth having on its own.
Finish the Qualifying Degree
Choose a STEM master’s program, a doctoral track, a medical degree, or test pilot school.
Build Hands-On Experience
Lab work, flight hardware, field research, and team projects show the skills the selection board looks for.
Look After Your Health
The long-duration flight physical is a requirement, so keep your fitness and medical history in mind early.
Practice Teamwork and Communication
NASA lists leadership, teamwork, and communication as required skills. Expedition teams, research groups, and operations roles all build them.
What Happens After NASA Selects You?
Selected candidates train for about two years. The training covers spacewalking, space station operations, T-38 jet flying, and robotic arm control. Always check NASA’s current astronaut page before you plan, because requirements and selection rounds can change.
Questions readers ask
Frequently asked questions
Do You Need a Master’s Degree to Be an Astronaut?
What Is the Best Major for an Astronaut?
Can You Become an Astronaut Without a Science Degree?
How Much Experience Do You Need?
Do You Have to Be a U.S. Citizen?
Research note
How this guide was checked
Program counts come from the federal IPEDS program records used in this directory. Occupation figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics release dated May 2025. Read the ranking and data methodology for the exact program boundaries and scoring rules.