Can I Get into a Physics PhD Program without a Physics Major?

[eaglejohnbc]

I did not major in Physics...PhD?

Ok, so I recently took the intro to Physics sequence and fell in love. But I am graduating with a Philosophy major, and a math minor.

I know I need to take the required physics courses after I graduate, but will this look bad to admissions people? Not having a physics major listed might raise red flags. Also, the grades will not be factored into my GPA on my transcript, which could use a boost.

Does anyone have any recommendations and/or comments? Also, what is the best way to go about this financially?

 

[DrummingAtom]

Check it - https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=64966&highlight=degree

 

[Pengwuino]

People with various background and trainings, ranging from engineering to computer science to business (luckily, no philosophy) want to know if they can use their degree to go on to physics graduate schools.

That's probably not a good sign...

 

[Jack21222]

Ok, so I recently took the intro to Physics sequence and fell in love. But I am graduating with a Philosophy major, and a math minor.

I know I need to take the required physics courses after I graduate, but will this look bad to admissions people? Not having a physics major listed might raise red flags. Also, the grades will not be factored into my GPA on my transcript, which could use a boost.

Does anyone have any recommendations and/or comments? Also, what is the best way to go about this financially?

I know some places offer a "second bachelors" program, where you can earn a bachelors degree in another field.

For example, here's a page from the school I'm transferring to: http://www.towson.edu/physics/physics/PHYS_SECDEG.asp

From that site:

A maximum of 90 transferable credits of undergraduate course work will be applied toward the second bachelor's degree. In addition, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in residence
at TU and meet all the requirements of the “new” major. At least one-half of the “new” major credits must be completed at Towson since the completion of the first degree. Each student
must complete an advanced writing course. All other General Education requirements are considered to have been met through the first degree.

I'm sure every university will be different, but do some research and find a university that has a program like that, and just get a second degree.

 

[eaglejohnbc]

That's probably the best option. Do you know if Umass Amherst allows second bachelors? Since it's my state school, I'd like to go there to save some money.

Another question: say my overall GPA is 3.3 when I apply, but my Physics GPA is like 3.9 or 3.8. Would I have a chance at the top schools in the country in experimental physics? Or is the overall GPA more important?

 

[eaglejohnbc]

does anyone know any other programs like Towson?

 

[asdfggfdsa]

That's probably the best option. Do you know if Umass Amherst allows second bachelors? Since it's my state school, I'd like to go there to save some money.

Another question: say my overall GPA is 3.3 when I apply, but my Physics GPA is like 3.9 or 3.8. Would I have a chance at the top schools in the country in experimental physics? Or is the overall GPA more important?

If you've just completed the intro sequence, then the 3.8-9 doesn't mean much. Take the quantum, electrodynamics, and classical mechanics sequences and maintain your GPA.

 

[eaglejohnbc]

No, I mean if I obtain that GPA after those courses, will I be a good candidate at top schools, even with a 3.3 ish overall GPA?

 

[qntty]

Maybe looking at the profiles of students applying to grad school will help you.