Can I Get a MS in Physics with a BS in CompSci?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of transitioning from a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science to a Master of Science in Physics. Participants explore the requirements and challenges associated with such a shift, considering factors like educational background, country-specific regulations, and personal motivation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue a MS in physics despite currently studying computer science online, questioning the typicality of such a transition.
  • Another participant asserts that in their country, a physics bachelor's degree is a strict requirement for admission to a physics master's program.
  • Some participants suggest that admission may depend on the country and the applicant's mathematical aptitude and coursework.
  • It is proposed that demonstrating thorough knowledge of undergraduate physics could facilitate admission to a master's program.
  • Concerns are raised about the general difficulty of gaining admission to a physics graduate program without a physics undergraduate degree, noting that additional undergraduate coursework may be necessary.
  • A participant mentions the possibility of enrolling in a bridge program or pursuing a second bachelor's degree to meet the requirements for a master's in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the requirements for admission to a physics master's program, with some believing it is possible with a computer science background while others assert that a physics degree is essential. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific pathways available for such a transition.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying admission requirements based on geographical location and institutional policies, as well as the necessity for additional coursework in physics for those without a relevant undergraduate degree.

sloan31
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Hello,
I don't have time to attend college on campus right now so I'm currently pursuing my BS in computer science through an online option. After a lot of thought, I do wish to pursue physics. I've always been interested, you know reading some basic books on physics and watching those documentaries on the science channel. It is my hope that later I will have time to go to school on campus and so my question is, would it be typical for someone with a BS in CompSci to be admitted to a MS in physics?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I still can't get it.

In the country i live in it is absolutely impossible to go such a way.

MS in physics needs a Bachelor in physics.

I hate the country i live in...
 
I would say that it depends on both the countries and your aptitude for maths, also what coursework for maths you've taken.
 
If you can demonstrate that you have a thorough knowledge of undergraduate physics, It shouldn't be too difficult to get admitted to an MS.
 
In general this would be pretty difficult.

To get into a graduate program, you need to meet the program's entrance requirements. Generally for a physics program you need an honours physics undergraduate degree. Engineering students often have enough physics in their cirriculum to transfer, but from computer science - whilst I don't think you would be excluded completely, it would certainly be an uphill battle, and even in grad school you would likely have to take some senior level undergrad physics courses just to get onto the same level as your physics colleagues.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I guess I'll have to find a school that will let me take the undergrad courses through some type of bridge program. Worse case secenario...and if I'm truly motivated, I'll go for second BS degree.

If I do that I'll probably be around 40 years old by the time I finish my MS, I hope that's not too old.
 

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