B.S. in Applied Math to grad degree in physics

[cg2011]

I'm currently a senior at the Coast Guard Academy (graduating in May). My degree is in Applied Math (specifically Operations Research) but am looking to get a grad degree in physics or applied physics in a few years.

What courses am I missing to A. get into a physics grad program and B. have the background to successfully complete it? (courses I've taken are listed below)

Given that I'm going to be serving on a ship that will be away from land a week or two at a time, what are the best ways to take these courses? Are classes like Quantum Mechanics available online and if so would taking it that way give me an adequate background?

Because of the constraints of the grad opportunities the Coast Guard offers I would only be able to pursue a Masters to begin with (It's all paid for though!).

Math/Physics Courses Taken:

Calc I/II/Multivariable
Differential Equations
Linear Algebra
Discrete Math
Probability Theory
Mathematical Statistics (prob theory 2)
Linear Optimization
Non-Linear Optimization
Networks
Simulations
Probability Models
Physics I (Mechanics)
Physics II (E&M)
Astronomy

I'm taking a "directed study" in physics next semester which is basically a learn about whatever you want class. I'm considering using this to study for and take the Phsyics GRE. I also may take Advanced Calculus.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Vanadium 50]

Essentially, you are missing the entire BS in physics coursework. You need to be prepared to take the equivalent of an undergrad BS in physics before starting your master's work.

 

[Someone1987]

Your level of mathematics is fine but as Vanadium pointed out you are missing all the essential physics courses. Typically, after Physics I and II, a physics major would need to take,

-Classical Mechanics (junior or senior level course)
-Quantum Mechanics (preferably two semesters)
-Electromagnetism (preferably two semesters)
-Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

I don't know if you can take these courses online anywhere but I wouldn't recommend doing any graduate coursework in physics without taking the course above. However, I would say you are in good shape to take these upper level undergraduate classes. The only other lower level course you might want to take is an Intro to Modern Physics courses but the four I listed above are the important ones. Hope this helps.

 

[Vanadium 50]

There are also advanced labs, and something on waves and optics. He's maybe 8-10 courses behind, and they need to be made up somewhere.

 

[Shackleford]

A friend of mine is a biomedical engineer. She's been working on the prerequisites for physics graduate school for two years now.

 

[lisab]

This question comes up frequently; here's a thread that covers it pretty well.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=64966

 

[cg2011]

This may be a dumb question, but where can you generally take classes like that when not pursuing a degree?

 

[Cod]

This may be a dumb question, but where can you generally take classes like that when not pursuing a degree?

Most universities, not service academies, have a specific number of slots allotted to non-degree seeking students. Also, for a cheaper alternative, the majority of independent study courses can be taken by non-degree seeking students (with infinite slots). Regardless of the route you take, ensure any courses taken are for college credit.