Programs Anybody else wish they could do their physics degree again?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the experiences of individuals reflecting on their educational journeys in physics and engineering. One participant shares their positive initial experience with physics but now feels more clarity and direction after several years in the workforce. They express anxiety about pursuing a PhD in physics, preferring to apply for a coursework-only Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering while maintaining their job. Mentoring undergraduate physics students provides them with fulfillment and a sense of contribution to the field.Others emphasize that returning to school isn't the only way to continue learning. They suggest dedicating time to read current research and work through physics textbooks at a personal pace. There is encouragement to consider taking specific courses that could enhance knowledge without fully committing to a degree program. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of ongoing education and mentorship in the field of physics, even outside traditional academic settings.
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I do. I had a good experience the first time around but now (a few years after graduation) I feel like I have so much more clarity and direction. I could dive much deeper into the material and do more research. I wouldn't feel like I'm drowning in formula after formula.

I'm currently working at an engineering company as a tech and applying for a coursework only Masters of ECE. I like my job and the field and the steady paycheck. But I don't think I'm smart enough for a PhD in physics and just the thought of a PhD induces anxiety. It doesn't make sense to quit my job and career to find out if I could make it in a PhD program. Maybe someday in retirement I could get an MS in physics just for my own personal enrichment. But I wish there was more I could do with it now.
 
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Not me. I mentor a number of undergrad physics majors, some in research projects, others in just an informal advisory capacity. That provides enough of a vicarious experience knowing others benefit from my experiences.

Hang our for a while in PF. Share your experiences. Share what you would do differently. Share how those young minds full of much can become gainfully employed contributors to society.
 
You don't have to go back to school to continue learning. Set aside some time each week to read the latest research in the fields that interest you the most. You will gradually add to your store of physics knowledge. You could also buy some physics textbooks and work through them at your own pace.
 
phyzguy said:
You don't have to go back to school to continue learning. Set aside some time each week to read the latest research in the fields that interest you the most. You will gradually add to your store of physics knowledge. You could also buy some physics textbooks and work through them at your own pace.
That might not be satisfying. Possible suggestion: Review what you need, and try to return to school for one or two courses which you have not yet taken, either something introductory (maybe unlikely), something upper division, or graduate level. Any lab section connected to course would be great advantage.
 
phyzguy said:
You don't have to go back to school to continue learning. Set aside some time each week to read the latest research in the fields that interest you the most. You will gradually add to your store of physics knowledge. You could also buy some physics textbooks and work through them at your own pace.
I've been going through my old textbooks but I am afraid I don't have much time to work any problems. Reading papers is a good idea though. Thanks.
 

Thread 'Self Learning Math/Physics'

Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
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Thread 'What should I do if I found a paper with same result as mine?'

Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
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