Applied Math Undergrad: Best Grad Degree for Sci/Industrial Research

AI Thread Summary
Majoring in Computational and Applied Math with a physics minor is a solid foundation for a career in scientific or industrial research. Pursuing a PhD in physics or a related science is often recommended for those interested in scientific research. For industrial research, obtaining a degree in an engineering discipline, such as electrical, materials, or mechanical engineering, is advisable, and a master's degree may be necessary. Transitioning from a computational and applied math background to a physics graduate program can be feasible, especially if upper-level physics courses are completed successfully and strong letters of recommendation are obtained from research experiences. Preparing for the Physics GRE can also enhance admission prospects.
SuchaNatural
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I think I want to major in Computational and Applied Math with a physics minor. I'm interested in pursuing a career in scientific or industrial research. What kind of grad degree would be best and if not in applied math how does one make the transition? Thanks!
 
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SuchaNatural said:
scientific

You'd need a PhD in physics or whichever science you are most interested in.

SuchaNatural said:
industrial research
You should probably get a degree in an engineering discipline like electrical/materials/mechanical engineering. A master's would probably be necessary.
 
Hercuflea said:
You'd need a PhD in physics or whichever science you are most interested in.You should probably get a degree in an engineering discipline like electrical/materials/mechanical engineering. A master's would probably be necessary.
Thanks- would you know how difficult it is to get into a grad program for physics for a computational and applied math major like myself? I've done a few summer jobs in physics labs before if that helps.
 
You should read the sticky thread on here about becoming a physics phd if your degree is in something else. It shouldn't be too hard if you take upper level physics courses and do well on the Physics GRE, in addition to getting letters of recommendation from your summer research advisors.
 
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"...
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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