Schools Applied Physics MS Programs in New England

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on master's programs in applied physics and engineering physics in New England, specifically highlighting Northeastern University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), UMass Boston, and Yale as key institutions. The participant aims for a career in the Department of Energy (DOE) or as a data scientist, emphasizing the importance of practical experience and program focus areas such as data analysis/modeling. The conversation underscores the competitive nature of job markets for physical scientists and the necessity of co-op programs for gaining relevant experience.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of applied physics and engineering physics concepts
  • Familiarity with co-op programs and their benefits in career development
  • Knowledge of job market dynamics for physical scientists and data scientists
  • Awareness of specific universities offering applied physics programs in New England
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Northeastern University's applied physics program and its co-op opportunities
  • Explore job listings on usajobs.gov for positions related to physical scientists and data scientists
  • Investigate alumni career paths from various applied physics master's programs
  • Review the rankings and popularity of engineering physics programs in New England via College Factual
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students in applied physics, career advisors, and individuals seeking employment in the energy sector or data science roles.

J1998
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
I am looking for masters programs in applied physics / engineering physics in ideally New England but also just the northeast of the U.S.. I am trying to create a list of all the universities that offer the degree because it is not particularly common. In New England I only know of Northeastern, WPI, Umass Boston, and Yale. I know there are plenty of others in the Northeast but I would really like to stay in Boston.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Also if anyone has any information on these programs I would really appreciate it
 
What is your goal after completing such a program?
 
CrysPhys said:
What is your goal after completing such a program?
I am hoping to get a job in the DOE or at some government contracted company in the energy industry. I would also be happy as a general data scientist.
 
J1998 said:
I am hoping to get a job in the DOE

Have you looked at jobs.gov to see what they are hiring? Will this be competitive?
 
J1998 said:
I am hoping to get a job in the DOE or at some government contracted company in the energy industry. I would also be happy as a general data scientist.
If this is intended as a terminal masters program, you should check where alumni of the various schools have gotten jobs. As you yourself mentioned in your first post, these programs are not common: what value would a hiring manager assign to such a degree? Would the program at Northeastern be a co-op? If so, at least that would introduce you to potential employers.
 
The DOE hires data scientists, 'physical scientists', statisticians and all different kinds of engineers.

The thing is, I want to continue studying physics but I want to be able to get a job after. And I figure a masters in applied physics is much more hirable than a masters in physics.

For example, Northeastern requires you to pick a focus out of plasma/optics, materials/devices, or data analysis/modeling from which I would want to focus on data analysis/modeling. I personally feel like this would make me reasonably versatile and able to work in different industries.
 
J1998 said:
The DOE hires data scientists, 'physical scientists', statisticians and all different kinds of engineers.

Have you looked at jobs.gov to see what they are hiring? Will this be competitive?

Seriously, you need to do this. Not just blow off people who are trying to help you. (And it's usajobs.gov - sorry) A MS without experience is not qualified at all for "physical scientist". A MS with enough experience is only qualified at the GS-11 level. Usually "physical scientist" positions are looking at GS-14 or GS-15.

More importantly, how many of these jobs today are full-time, permanent, and open to the public (as opposed to transfers)? Zero. Nada. Zilch.

You have decided on a very narrow career path, and not preparing in a way that will make you competitive for that.
 

Similar threads

Programs Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Masters online
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Admissions I plan to apply for PhD program on 2025 Fall. What do you think?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Electrical Engineering PhD or Applied Physics PhD?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
739
Programs "Back door" into physics for a math major
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Programs Second Bachelor's Degree in Physics in Boston
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs From a Nuclear Engineering BS, will I be able to do MS & PhD in Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs Choice of Master's degree program, Physics vs. Applied Math
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Could I please get critique on my SOP? (Experimental Biophysics)
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
806
Other Need advice on the Physics Programs I can realistically apply to
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs Physics degree to med school? please help
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K