Enrolling in a Graduate Physics Program with an Architecture Degree

AI Thread Summary
Enrolling in a graduate physics program with an undergraduate degree in architecture is possible, especially if extensive physics coursework has been completed during the architecture studies. Some programs accept candidates from related fields like electrical engineering or applied mathematics. Strong performance in relevant courses such as calculus and introductory physics can enhance the application. A competitive score on the physics GRE is important, with a suggested minimum of 60-65%, depending on the university. Candidates may need to take additional undergraduate courses to prepare for graduate-level work. Gaining experience as a "special student" can also be a viable pathway to improve qualifications and transition into a master's program.
Kat3011
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hello,
Is it possible to enroll in a graduate program in physics if I have an an undergraduate degree in architecture? Or is an undergraduate degree in physics- or in a related field- required to qualify?
(Assuming that I have studied extensively physics (alone) while obtaining my degree in architecture)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Some programs will accept students from related disciplines into their graduate physics programs. Usually electrical engineering, maybe aerospace engineering, maybe mechanical engineering or applied mathematics are also considered.
Architecture is interesting. In my experience, the architecture majors were some of the hardest working graduates I ever met in graduate school. You may be able to convince using your application, that your background coursework makes you an acceptable candidate. I figure it is likely that in your architecture program, you probably needed courses in calculus, and some introductory physics, and maybe classical mechanics and possibly some engineering courses. Good grades in these courses would bolster your argument.
I read what Vanadium had to say about the physics GRE / qualifying exam. I do not think it is quite this troublesome. Of course, the better score the better, but I would put a lower limit of 60-65 % rather than 75%, on the GRE, depending on the University you are applying to.
I think a score lower than 50% would not do much good.

Now when I started, my GPA was low (but improving), and I had a part time job. I needed letters of recommendation, and coursework to enhance my graduate school application. I went to a course professor and offered to take his course for credit, and the university allowed be to be enrolled as a "special student". Now mind you, I was not financially supported by the school, and I was not enrolled as a Master's student, and I had to pay the tuition out of my own bank account, but it was the beginning of my graduate career. I was accepted with funding at another graduate school the next year.

In light of this, I would say your chance of being enrolled in coursework (as I was), might be quite good, Being instantly enrolled in a masters program, might be harder, but might be doable.
 
  • Like
Likes Keith_McClary
I think you will find that you need to take a host of undergraduate course as prep for the graduate course. That is not a reason not to do the physics degree, but you need to be realistic here.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
Back
Top