BS Applied Physics to Engineering PhD

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the feasibility of transitioning from a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics to a PhD program in engineering, specifically electrical or environmental engineering. Participants explore the implications of this shift, including potential challenges and the competitiveness of applicants from a physics background.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the competitiveness of applying to engineering graduate programs with a background in physics, questioning whether this would present a disadvantage.
  • Another participant mentions that Boston University offers a graduate engineering program designed for students without an engineering undergraduate degree.
  • A different participant argues that the foundational knowledge in math and physics gained from an Applied Physics degree is beneficial, although they acknowledge the need to complete lower-level engineering courses.
  • One participant states that transitioning from a non-engineering background to engineering graduate studies is common.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the level of competitiveness faced by physics graduates applying to engineering programs, though some participants suggest that the transition is feasible and not uncommon.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not specify the exact requirements or expectations of different graduate programs, nor do they address the potential need for additional coursework in engineering disciplines.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a shift from physics to engineering graduate programs, particularly those with a background in Applied Physics.

misterme09
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I'm a Rice University sophomore majoring in Applied Physics. I decided only within the past semester that I don't want to do pure physics my whole life (mainly due to the poor career choices). So I changed to applied physics.

My question now is if it is possible to go to graduate school in some type of engineering (ideally electrical or environmental). I will take a few electrical engineering courses as an undergrad for applied physics, so I hope that would help.

Also, given that it is possible, does that mean I will be facing even tougher competition coming from physics rather than engineering? Or will some graduate schools be happy to take some students with a slightly different background?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Boston University has a graduate engineering program for students whose undergrad was not in engineering.

http://www.bu.edu/eng/leap/
 
I don't think it's that big of a deal...you will already have had the math and the physics (and then some) that an engineer major will need, but you will have to probably spend a couple years making up lower level engineering courses. My uncle went from math undergrad to phd EE at MIT.
 
It is common.
 

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