What degree do you need to be an astronaut?

The degree needs to be from an accredited institution. The master's degree requirements can also be met by:

• Two years (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) of work towards a doctoral program in related science, technology, engineering, or math field

• A completed doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine degree

• Completion (or current enrollment that will result in completion by June of that year) of a nationally recognized test pilot school program

The importance of having a degree for this position is due to the high responsibility associated with this position. NASA's Astronaut Selection Board reviews the applications and assesses each candidate's qualifications. The board then invites a small group of the most highly qualified candidates for interviews.

Of those interviewed, about half are invited back for second interviews. From that group, NASA's new astronaut candidates are selected, and they report for training at Johnson and spend the next two years learning basic astronaut skills like spacewalking, operating the space station, flying T-38 jet planes, and controlling robotics.

Astronaut candidates must be able to demonstrate skills in leadership, teamwork, and communications.