Advice involving grad school [doing astrophysics with a math/CS background]

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges and considerations for a student with a background in Computer Science and Mathematics who is interested in pursuing graduate studies in astrophysics. It explores the necessary academic preparations, potential pathways, and the importance of gaining relevant experience in the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in astrophysics but questions whether their dual degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics are sufficient for graduate school admission.
  • Another participant emphasizes the necessity of a solid physics background for pursuing astrophysics and suggests consulting with physics faculty at prospective schools.
  • A different reply advises speaking with an undergraduate advisor, noting that a lack of physics background may hinder admission to graduate programs in astrophysics.
  • One suggestion is to engage in computational astrophysics research projects to gain experience and enhance qualifications for graduate studies.
  • Another participant proposes considering mathematical physics as an alternative pathway, which may align more closely with the student’s current academic background.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a physics background for graduate studies in astrophysics, but there are differing opinions on the best course of action for the student, including whether to pursue a minor in physics or seek a different undergraduate program.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the transferability of courses and the specific requirements of graduate programs in astrophysics, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate studies in astrophysics, particularly those with backgrounds in mathematics or computer science, may find this discussion relevant.

Ryan H
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I'm interested in going to grad school for astrophysics. I've loved everything about the subject for many years now. At first I thought it was just a hobby interest, but I think it may have crossed the line and become a career interest. The only problem with this is that I'm in my senior year in college. I'm currently double majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics. Another issue is that the university I'm currently attending does not have any undergraduate degrees involving physics (only a minor) or astronomy. What is the best course of action for me to get from where I am now to grad school in astrophysics?

Will my dual degrees be enough to carry me into grad school? Should I hang around and get a minor in physics?

Should I start over at a university that offers an undergraduate program in astrophysics and hope that my math and other gen. eds. transfer so I can get back out in 2 years or so?
 
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You will need a good basic physics background to do what you want. I suggest you talk to physics people at the schools you are considering.
 


I suggest that you talk to an undergrad advisor. However, they will not let you do graduate studies in astrophysics seeing as you have little to no physics background.
 


Many fields in astrophysics involve a lot of computational work, so you could try getting yourself hooked up with an astrophysical research project that needs somebody to write code. (There are plenty out there, but you might have to look outside your university) That'll give you a chance to get some experience in the field so you can start learning and also see if you like it as much as you think you did.

Also, if you're really committed to this astrophysics thing, you should definitely try to take some physics/astrophysics classes. it's true that they wouldn't let you into grad school for astrophysics without a decent physics background, unless you do some really stellar work - no pun intended - on a research project :wink: Anyway, the point is, you're not going to be prepare yourself for graduate school in only one semester.
 


If you're getting a Math degree, you can look into mathematical physics. Different than Astrophysics, but closer to what you've done before.

The best thing to do is talk to your adviser.
 

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