Can I Pursue an Astrophysics Masters/PhD in the USA with a Mathematics Degree?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the feasibility of pursuing a Master's or PhD in Astrophysics in the USA with a background in Mathematics, specifically for an undergraduate student from Sri Lanka who has not studied Physics. Participants explore potential pathways and requirements for admission into such programs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for Astronomy/Astrophysics and inquires about the possibility of entering a graduate program without a Physics background.
  • Another participant suggests that direct admission to an astronomy/astrophysics program is possible but typically requires support from a faculty member.
  • Options proposed include pursuing a Master's in applied mathematics to take Physics classes or preparing for the Physics GRE to meet admission requirements for graduate programs.
  • A question is raised regarding the extent of Physics coursework completed during the undergraduate degree, with a suggestion that sufficient preparation could lead to acceptance into a program.
  • A participant from Sri Lanka shares their experience and mentions that some US universities offer astrophysics programs for students with Mathematics degrees, recommending further research on university options.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the pathways available for entering an Astrophysics program, with no consensus on a definitive route or requirements. Some suggest that it is feasible, while others emphasize the need for additional Physics coursework or GRE preparation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific information about individual university requirements and the varying standards for admission into graduate programs in the USA.

Who May Find This Useful

Students with a Mathematics background considering graduate studies in Astrophysics, particularly those from international institutions looking to understand admission pathways in the USA.

buddhikapriya
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I am an undergraduate student of University of Colombo,Sri Lanka.My degree is a mathematics major degree consisting 120 credits at four years of academic years.I have a great enthusiasm in Astronomy/Astrophysics.But I have not studied Physics for my degree.Can I go for a Astrophysics Masters/PhD (in USA) having this degree as my basic degree?what should i do?

Thanks
/Buddhika
 
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It would be possible to go directly to an astronomy/astrophysics program---but generally it would need the agreement and assistance of a professor who specifically accepted you to the program.

There are two options I'd suggest investigating:
1) looks into masters programs in applied mathematics---once in one of those programs, you could take classes in physics, and re-apply to astronomy/astrophysics programs after a year or two
2) take enough classes in physics to take the physics-GRE (graduate record examination); I'm not sure if you're familiar with it or not, but in the US, the physics-GRE is the standard prerequisite examination to get into physics grad-schools.
 
Thank you very much for ur info.And please let me know if u get to know anythin new about this matter. :)
 
How much physics have you done in your undergrad degree? If you've done enough to be able to do well in the physics GRE then I don't see why you couldn't, in principle, be accepted (though, I'm not from the US, so take this with a pinch of salt).
 
hey I'm from sri lanka too. just completed my special degree in physics and am planning to do astrophysics too. when i was scrolling through US universities, saw some unis offering astrophysics for mathematicians. don't remember the names of the unis, but u can take a look at the peterson's website. hope this helps
 

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