Admissions Do I have a chance at doing a physics Ph.D. in quantum ML?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the challenges of transitioning into Quantum Machine Learning (QML) after graduating with a low GPA in Physics and Applied Math, despite having strong credentials in Electrical Engineering and a Master's in Artificial Intelligence. The individual expresses concern about their past academic performance and lack of recent physics experience, feeling it may hinder their chances of entering a competitive field with limited educational opportunities. However, it is suggested that QML programs are often housed within computer science departments, which may favor their engineering background. The advice given emphasizes the importance of applying to programs regardless of perceived disadvantages, as the application process involves minimal risk and could lead to valuable opportunities.
Gandor481
Messages
2
Reaction score
1
I graduated with Physics and Applied math degrees ~4 years ago with a really low gpa ~2.7 with research experience on CMS.

I then completed a B.S. in Electrical Engineering last year with a 3.7 and a MS in Artificial Intelligence with a 4.0.

Over the past 4 years I've been working as a machine learning engineer making ~200k. I really want to get into Quantum Machine Learning but I feel like my weak physics gpa and the fact that I haven't really done physics for a few years puts me at a severe disadvantage. There also aren't too many schools doing quantum ML and the ones that are tend to be very competitive making that 2.7 feel like an really tough barrier to the field. Do I have a chance or should I just stay in industry.

Thanks for the advice.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It’s more likely that Quantum ML would be hosted by a computer science department rather than the physics department at any university. Your credentials in that case would work in your favor.

Heres one such course at MIT

https://qmlsys.mit.edu/

and some stuff on wikipedia

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_machine_learning

and other resources

https://towardsdatascience.com/unde...sing-tensorflow-quantum-examples-5a59133e8930



and some old info on the Univ of Waterloo

https://www.quora.com/Where-can-you-get-a-PhD-in-quantum-machine-learning
 
Last edited:
Gandor481 said:
Do I have a chance or should I just stay in industry.
In your scenario, you have nothing to lose other than the application fees and the time spent preparing the applications. So why not simply apply and see what responses you get? If you do get admitted, then the harder choice is deciding whether to do a PhD program or just stay in industry.
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2 and jedishrfu
Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
853
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Back
Top