Can You Transition Between Chemistry and Physics Careers?

[samjiyon23]

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 ^^

 

[samjiyon23]

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?

 

[radium]

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.

 

[lisab]

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