27year old math major going into physics

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SUMMARY

A 27-year-old math graduate from Cal State Long Beach, with a 3.0 GPA, seeks advice on transitioning to a PhD program in physics after struggling with graduate-level math courses. Despite a background in civil engineering and accounting, his passion lies in physics and astronomy. To enhance his application, he plans to take at least two graduate physics courses at a local California university. Experts suggest that enrolling in senior-level undergraduate physics courses will strengthen his profile for admission into competitive programs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of undergraduate physics concepts, particularly mechanics.
  • Familiarity with graduate-level physics coursework expectations.
  • Knowledge of admission requirements for physics PhD programs in the US.
  • Awareness of the academic landscape for physics and astronomy in California and beyond.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research graduate physics courses available at local universities in California.
  • Explore senior-level undergraduate physics courses to strengthen academic credentials.
  • Investigate physics PhD programs outside California that may have more flexible admission criteria.
  • Connect with academic advisors or mentors in physics for personalized guidance.
USEFUL FOR

Individuals considering a career shift to physics, aspiring physics professors, and anyone navigating the challenges of graduate school admissions in STEM fields.

planethunter
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Hello all,

I want to know your opinions on my situation.

I am 27 years old. I graduated from Cal State Long Beach in 2005 with a B.S. in pure mathematics. My gpa was not that great (3.0) and started the masters in applied math program the following year but got an F and then a C in a course (complex analysis and pde, resp). I think I just wasn’t passionate about math anymore. My passion has always been astronomy and physics, and I wanted to get a good foundation in math so that is why I majored in math. I keep up to date with physics news as well as study it on my own. I took undergraduate mechanics my freshman year and got a B in the course, but I have not taken anymore physics since then.

I would like to be able to study physics/astronomy at the PHD level but given the standards of admission for any school in California, and given the sh$%ty economy here, I think I might have to go out of state to get into a program.

Before and since I graduate, I have worked as a civil engineer and currently work in the accounting field. I know that these are not my passions and ultimately I want to become a physics professor/researcher. I have a 1 year old daughter with my wife, and I feel that I want to show her that anything is possible and not to settle for the sure thing career like medicine, law, etc. But to follow your passions.

What does everyone think? Given my 3.0 gpa and my limited physics, are there any programs in the US that would take a chance on me? I do plan in the next year to take at least 2 graduate physics courses at a local university here in CA.

Thank you all in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In all honesty, I think you may have some difficulty getting into a physics graduate program without having taken a physics course beyond first year. Likely you will have to take at least a few senior-level courses at the undergraduate level to get in. Doing this and doing it well will help to offset a not-so-great performance in graduate school.
 

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