Programs Bachelor of Engineering (Computer) to PhD (Physics)

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The discussion centers on an individual with a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and four years of experience in the software and hardware industry, seeking admission to a PhD program in Physics, specifically in Theoretical Physics. They have impressive GRE scores, particularly in Physics and Quantitative sections, but lack a formal physics educational or research background. The conversation emphasizes that admissions decisions are made by individual committees and that standardized test scores are just one aspect of the application process. It is suggested that the applicant explore universities based on their research interests, as some engineering graduates have successfully transitioned into physics programs by taking relevant courses. The applicant plans to apply to around 15 universities to maximize their chances of admission.
arpit2agrawal
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Hello All

I have done Bachelor of Engineering (Computer) and has 4 years of work-ex in software and hardware industry. I am applying for PhD (Physics) for fall 2012 for Theoretical Physics (High energy / Particle / Nuclear / Quantum physics) My scores:

Subject GRE (Physics): 940/990
General GRE (Quant): 800/800
General GRE (Verbal): 340/800
General GRE (AWM): 3.0/6.0
TOEFL iBT: 105/120
IELTS: 8.0/9.0

I have no physics educational/research background.

Could you please suggest me university I can get admit from?

Thank you.
 
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It's up to the individual committees to decide if you get in or not. Posting your standardized test scores is pointless, as that is only a small part in the admissions decision.
 
There's a couple of people in my department that I know have come from engineering backgrounds but they took some physics courses while completing their degrees. From what they tell me it was about equivalent to a minor. A good way to start looking for schools is by their research areas. If you know the area that interests you, then google away and see what schools have groups doing that.

Very impressive scores by the way.
 
Thank you SophusLies. I am applying to around 15 universities. Let's see from where I get admit from.
 
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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