The discussion centers on the decision-making process for an undergraduate materials engineering student contemplating a PhD in either Condensed Matter Physics (CMP) or Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). Key points include the relevance of semiconductors in both fields and the necessity of understanding the differences in approach between CMP and MSE. Participants emphasize that the choice should be based on specific research interests rather than general assumptions about the fields. Recommendations for strong programs in semiconductor materials at institutions like UIUC, MIT, and Cornell are also provided.
PREREQUISITESUndergraduate students in materials engineering, prospective PhD candidates in CMP or MSE, and researchers interested in semiconductor materials and their applications.
Joaco said:Hi, I'm an undergrad materials engineering student. I am thinking of studying all the way to a PhD as I'm interested on working in research. Right now I work with Semiconductors and I like the field a lot. However, considering what I'm studying, I want to know if it's a good Idea to look for a PhD. on CM Physucs or go deeper on MSE?. I'll be thankful to read your opinion.
I have been looking thru schools, and found that some have MSE research programs with a metallurgy orientation, and when I look for CMP the relevance of semiconductors is higher. I know I will do research in both areas but I understand approach is different, and I want to know how relevant is that on selecting the subject.ZapperZ said:You have not given any compelling reason to switch to condensed matter physics other than the statement "... considering what I'm studying...", and I'm not even sure what that means. Semiconductors are as relevant in Material Science as it is in CMP. It is not a sufficient reason to switch.
Similarly, you WILL do research, and a lot of it, if you go on to do your PhD in Material Science. So that also isn't a valid reason to switch.
If you wish to try again and list out why you are considering such a switch, I'd like to see it.
Zz.
Joaco said:I have been looking thru schools, and found that some have MSE research programs with a metallurgy orientation, and when I look for CMP the relevance of semiconductors is higher. I know I will do research in both areas but I understand approach is different, and I want to know how relevant is that on selecting the subject.
You are not doing a correct A-B comparison. You are comparing the field of materials science and engineering (MSE) with condensed matter physics (CMP), which is a subfield of physics. If we're talking about US grad schools, typically (as always, there may be outliers lurking somewhere), you will apply for a PhD program in MSE or a PhD program in physics. Yes, some MSE programs are stronger in traditional metallurgy than semiconductor materials. But, so too, some physics programs are stronger in high-energy physics than semiconductor physics. So what? You pick MSE depts with strong programs in semiconductor materials or physics depts with strong programs in semiconductor physics [note that CMP has a much broader scope than semiconductor physics]. As a follow-up to Zz's post #4, have you looked at MSE PhD programs at UIUC, MIT, Cornell, Northwestern, and U of Mich Ann Arbor (just to name a few that I'm familiar with)?Joaco said:I have been looking thru schools, and found that some have MSE research programs with a metallurgy orientation, and when I look for CMP the relevance of semiconductors is higher. I know I will do research in both areas but I understand approach is different, and I want to know how relevant is that on selecting the subject.