Best school for grad degree in physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the best graduate school for a degree in physics. Participants explore various institutions and factors influencing their recommendations, including specific fields of interest and personal circumstances.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention the University of Southern North Dakota humorously, suggesting it as a potential option without serious intent.
  • One participant notes that the University of Southern North Dakota specializes in the physics of exotic musical instruments, indicating a playful tone in the discussion.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of specifying fields of interest, geographical preferences, and personal academic standing to provide useful suggestions for graduate programs.
  • Louisiana State University is highlighted as having a strong program in general relativity, with both theoretical and experimental components, such as the LIGO experiment.
  • MIT is mentioned as a well-regarded institution for STEM subjects, though one participant argues that the best school for a graduate degree in physics is subjective and depends on various factors.
  • Another participant suggests that any school could be considered the best based on specific circumstances, such as the presence of a leading professor in a niche area of physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which school is the best for a graduate degree in physics, with multiple competing views and factors influencing their opinions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific details about participants' academic backgrounds and preferences, which may limit the relevance of suggestions made.

jasonchiang97
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Just wondering if anyone has preferences.
 
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The University of Southern North Dakota.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
The University of Southern North Dakota.

Vanadium, you should be ashamed of yourself. You made me spit my tea all over my keyboard!

Zz.
 
I understand USND specializes in the physics of exotic musical instruments, e.g. the tromboon. :oldwink:

Seriously, Jason, if you want to get some useful suggestions, you should at least give us some idea of what fields of physics you're interested in for Ph.D. research, what part(s) of the world you favor, and maybe some information about your current standing: GPA, any research experience you have, etc.

Depending on the field, you can find good graduate physics programs in places that you might not expect. For example, Louisiana State University has a strong program in general relativity, both theoretical and experimental (e.g. the LIGO experiment).
 
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MIT? I'm english so I don't really know but it's supposed to be the best for STEM subjects.
 
gregy521 said:
MIT? I'm english so I don't really know but it's supposed to be the best for STEM subjects.

Only it's not the best school for a grad degree in physics. That answer depends on so many variables it could be argued any school is the best. Podunk university might be the best because the leading professor in the world on Podunk physics decided that's where he wanted to live and raise his three goats.
 

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