Can You Transition Between Chemistry and Physics Careers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for transitioning between careers in chemistry and physics, focusing on educational pathways and the feasibility of moving from one field to the other. Participants explore various academic backgrounds, including undergraduate degrees in physics, chemistry, and chemical engineering, and their implications for graduate studies in related fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether obtaining a physics undergraduate degree would allow for a transition into chemistry research.
  • Another participant wonders if a Ph.D. in quantum chemistry would enable them to conduct research in physics.
  • There is inquiry about the possibility of moving from a chemical engineering undergraduate program to graduate studies in chemistry or physics.
  • A participant shares that they know individuals who have successfully transitioned between these fields, noting that a physics undergraduate degree followed by a Ph.D. in either physics or chemistry may be a viable path.
  • It is mentioned that there is significant overlap between physical chemistry and physics, suggesting that interests in both areas could align well.
  • A reference is made to a thread that may provide additional insights for those considering graduate school in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the ease of transitioning between chemistry and physics careers, with some suggesting that certain educational paths may facilitate this transition while others remain uncertain about the specifics.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the implications of different academic backgrounds on career transitions, and there are assumptions about the relevance of specific degrees to research opportunities in both fields.

samjiyon23
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Hi everyone! A couple of questions for you.

So, I'm thinking about pursuing a career in chemistry research BUT I also really like physics, so I'm not really sure which to choose...
-If I were to get a physics undergrad degree, could I move into chemistry?
-If I were to get a chemistry Ph.D. in, say, quantum chemistry, would I be able to do research in physics?
-Is it possible to go from a chemical engineering undergrad to a chemistry grad? How about to a physics grad?

Thanks in advance ^^
 
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Oh, one more thing. The uni I hope to go to has an option for a B.S. in ChemE and then a fifth-year Master's in Materials Science. Would this perhaps help me get into a theoretical chemistry or physics (esp. condensed matter in this case) grad school?
 
I actually know people who have done that. I think the easiest thing would be to get a physics undergraduate degree and a physics or chemistry Ph.D. My research advisor is in theoretical physical chemistry and we work with theoretical physicists in condensed matter. He did his undergrad in physics and chemistry and his Ph.D in physics I believe. A grad student I know did his undergrad in chemical engineering, is finishing his Ph.D in physical chemistry and is looking for physics postdocs.
 
samjiyon23 said:
Hi everyone! A couple of questions for you.

So, I'm thinking about pursuing a career in chemistry research BUT I also really like physics, so I'm not really sure which to choose...
-If I were to get a physics undergrad degree, could I move into chemistry?
-If I were to get a chemistry Ph.D. in, say, quantum chemistry, would I be able to do research in physics?
-Is it possible to go from a chemical engineering undergrad to a chemistry grad? How about to a physics grad?

Thanks in advance ^^

In Physical Chemistry there is a lot of overlap with Physics. If your interests are chemistry and physics, that would probably be a good match for you.

If you're considering grad school in physics, check out this thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=64966
 

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