How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics or Mathematics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter TimNguyen
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ph.d
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the duration required to earn a Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics or Mathematics, with a focus on personal experiences and institutional variations. Participants explore the time commitment for these advanced degrees and the feasibility of pursuing both degrees simultaneously.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their current academic path, noting they will complete a B.S. in Physics and a B.A. in Math in three years, and inquires about the additional time needed for higher degrees.
  • Another participant mentions that their professors suggest theoretical physicists typically take 6-7 years for a Ph.D., while experimentalists may take 7-8 years.
  • A participant from Canada indicates that after obtaining a B.S., a master's degree usually takes about 2 years, with some programs offering a 1-year option that is more akin to an extension of the B.S. degree.
  • Another participant notes that in the UK, most universities offer one-year M.Sc. programs following a 3-year B.Sc. course.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange about not having a Ph.D. yet, with a humorous comment about a fictional Ph.D. in Janitorial Science.
  • A participant suggests that the discussion may be oriented towards the U.S. educational system, referencing an external overview link.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying experiences and expectations regarding the time required for advanced degrees, indicating that there is no consensus on a definitive timeline, as it appears to depend on institutional policies and individual circumstances.

Contextual Notes

There are references to different educational systems (U.S., Canada, UK) which may influence the duration of degree programs. Some claims about timelines are based on personal experiences and institutional norms, which may not be universally applicable.

TimNguyen
Messages
79
Reaction score
0
Well... How long did it take any of you guys to get your Ph.D. or even M.S. in Physics or Mathematics?

As of right now, I am double majoring in physics and math and will get a B.S. in physics and B.A. in math by next year, totalling 3 years. I'm just wondering how much more time I would need to dedicate to get the higher degrees.

Also... is it recommended to attempt getting both a physics and math masters' degree at the same time...? The reason I ask is because the two subject have so much correlation to each other so it would not be too difficult to sustain both subjects.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
TimNguyen said:
As of right now, I am double majoring in physics and math and will get a B.S. in physics and B.A. in math by next year, totalling 3 years. I'm just wondering how much more time I would need to dedicate to get the higher degrees.

Also... is it recommended to attempt getting both a physics and math masters' degree at the same time...? The reason I ask is because the two subject have so much correlation to each other so it would not be too difficult to sustain both subjects.

1)My professors' consensus is that after BS, theoretical physicists take 6-7 years for their PhD and 7-8 for experimentalists.

2) Very recommended i bet
 
in Canada anyway, after you get your BS & want to become a master of it, i think they usually give you 2 years. some schools have a 1-year program geared for people who want to get the Piled Higher & Deeper, & it's more like a 5th-year of the BS than actually becoming a master of the BS. that's for math anyway. i think getting it piled higher & deeper takes ~3 years on top of that at most schools.
 
I ain't got my PhD yet. :biggrin:
 
administrative note: I'm moving this from General Discussion to Academic & Career Guidance
 
Janitor said:
I ain't got my PhD yet. :biggrin:

There's a PhD in Janitorial Science??!

<ZapperZ runs and hides from Janitor>

Zz.
 
About M.Sc in Physics, it depends on the instution. Most UK universities offer one-year programs after finishing a 3-year B.Sc course.
 

Similar threads

Timeline for Earning a Ph.D in Theoretical Particle Physics
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Programs How long does it take to get a Ph.D.?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Programs Need advice about applying to Ph.D. programs
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
M.S./Ph.D. in Physics: Seeking Advice After Low GPA
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admissions I'm an Accounting / Finance Student, Can I get my Ph.D. in Physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Programs "Back door" into physics for a math major
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Programs Steps to take to pursue a Ph.D in Physics with a Math degree
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Which degree should I take?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Programs Physics Masters at undergrad school before PhD?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Looking to get an M.S in physics before Ph.D
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K