Can I become a theoretical physicist?

AI Thread Summary
An individual with an undergraduate degree in Applied Mathematics and Meteorology is considering pursuing a master's and then a PhD in Mathematical Physics. The discussion revolves around whether this educational path qualifies them to claim the title of "Theoretical Physicist." It is noted that while Mathematical Physics and Theoretical Physics are closely related, the distinction often lies in the specific focus of one's work rather than the degree itself. The conversation also touches on the broader scope of theoretical work beyond particle physics and the relevance of integral calculus in the field, with a consensus that integrals are indeed prevalent in particle physics, albeit in more complex forms than typically encountered at the undergraduate level. Ultimately, it is suggested that claiming the title of "physicist" is viable based on the completion of a postgraduate degree in Mathematical Physics.
Pendulum Swing
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With an undergrad degree in Applied Mathematics and Meteorology (school has no quantum field theory; didn't to study it and its extensive lab classes).

And then do a masters degree in Mathematical Physic afterwards do a PhD in Mathematical Physics?

Will I then be a theoretical physicist or a Mathematical Physicist? I know it sounds vague but is it possible to claim the title of being a "Theoretical Physicist" with two postgrad degrees in mathematical physics?
 
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Mathematical physics and theroretical physics sound very similar, and what you actually do will matter more than what exactly your degree says.
Pendulum Swing said:
school has no quantum field theory
There is a lot of theory outside of particle physics, too.
 
mfb said:
Mathematical physics and theroretical physics sound very similar, and what you actually do will matter more than what exactly your degree says.
There is a lot of theory outside of particle physics, too.

I guess so and cheers for your response. So is it then viable for me to say that I'm a 'physicist' (stemming from a postgrad in mathematical physics)?

Does particle physics have a lot of integral calculus? because I like integrals.
 
Pendulum Swing said:
So is it then viable for me to say that I'm a 'physicist' (stemming from a postgrad in mathematical physics)?
Who would stop you?

Pendulum Swing said:
Does particle physics have a lot of integral calculus? because I like integrals.
Depends on what exactly you do, in general there will be many integrals around, most of them won't look like integrals you see as undergrad. There is even a wikipedia page just for integrals related to QFT.
 
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