Can I go from a Physics Bachelor's degree to a Comp Sci Master's?

[SirLog]

Hi, I recently graduated with a Physics and (pure) Math double major but I'm having a bit of a crisis on where to go with my life. I'd like to pursue a Physics PhD, but I'm trying to think of a plan B in case that doesn't work out.

I have a general interest in math and programming, so I was wondering if I had a chance at getting a CS Masters at a well-ranked program. I have a 3.88 GPA from a top 10 school in the US, but took practically no CS courses (only an Intro to Java and Intro to Python course). As part of my physics research, I've created a few websites, modeled astronomical data and worked on a database. I was supervised by Physics professors who wrote rec letters for my physics PhD application, so perhaps I could ask them for letters for a CS application. I'd love to work for a company like Google, but I'm not sure how realistic that would be at this point.

Other than physics or CS, I'm really not sure what else I could see myself doing. I'm worried that I put all my eggs into one basket as an undergrad. I'd really appreciate any advice, thanks in advance!

 

[Office_Shredder]

. I'd love to work for a company like Google, but I'm not sure how realistic that would be at this point.

You've already graduated? Just apply to a couple places and see what happens.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Before that, you might want to look at schools you are interested in and their mS admissions requirements.

 

[CrysPhys]

Hi, I recently graduated with a Physics and (pure) Math double major but I'm having a bit of a crisis on where to go with my life. I'd like to pursue a Physics PhD, but I'm trying to think of a plan B in case that doesn't work out.

I have a general interest in math and programming, so I was wondering if I had a chance at getting a CS Masters at a well-ranked program. I have a 3.88 GPA from a top 10 school in the US, but took practically no CS courses (only an Intro to Java and Intro to Python course). As part of my physics research, I've created a few websites, modeled astronomical data and worked on a database. I was supervised by Physics professors who wrote rec letters for my physics PhD application, so perhaps I could ask them for letters for a CS application. I'd love to work for a company like Google, but I'm not sure how realistic that would be at this point.

Other than physics or CS, I'm really not sure what else I could see myself doing. I'm worried that I put all my eggs into one basket as an undergrad. I'd really appreciate any advice, thanks in advance!

What is the status of your physics PhD applications? Have you been accepted to any schools? If so, how have you responded?

 

[SirLog]

What is the status of your physics PhD applications? Have you been accepted to any schools? If so, how have you responded?

I didn't have any luck with PhD admissions last fall. I'm planning on reapplying this year, but at this point I'm also trying to figure out a backup plan. I'm passionate for math and programming, so CS seems like it could be a good thing to pursue, but a lot of higher ranked schools expect some kind of background.

At this point I'm not really sure if it's worth it to apply to CS programs this year (given my lack of background and that I also have physics applications) or if it's better to prepare for a stronger application next year (e.g. taking some CS courses in the meantime). Nor do I really know how much of a chance I'll have at getting into well-ranked schools or how much the school's rank matters for pursuing a career in CS.