From BSEE to Astro PhD: Navigating an Interdisciplinary Path in Astronomy

  • Thread starter Thread starter confusedinMA
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Astro Ph.d Ph.d.
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations of transitioning from a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) to a PhD program in Astronomy. Participants explore the relevance of an EE background in astronomy-related fields, the necessity of foundational physics knowledge, and the implications of standardized testing requirements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue a PhD in Astronomy despite currently studying for a BSEE, citing financial stability as a reason for their initial choice.
  • Some participants suggest that a strong background in physics is essential for admission into astronomy graduate programs, emphasizing the need to demonstrate foundational physics knowledge.
  • There is a consensus among several participants that the Physics GRE is typically required for admission to astronomy PhD programs, particularly for those without a physics major.
  • One participant mentions the importance of taking additional physics courses to prepare for the PGRE and to meet graduate program requirements.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential difficulty of balancing an EE background with the necessary physics coursework, especially regarding the time and financial implications of further education.
  • Another participant highlights the overlap between EE and physics, suggesting that this could facilitate the transition into astronomy-related fields.
  • Interest in specific subfields such as radio astronomy and instrument design is noted, with a participant seeking advice on how their EE skills could be applied in these areas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of a solid physics foundation and the requirement of the Physics GRE for graduate admission. However, there are differing opinions on the feasibility of transitioning from EE to astronomy and the specific coursework needed to succeed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the potential for a double major or additional coursework to meet requirements, but there are concerns about the financial and time commitments involved. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the best path forward for someone with an EE background aiming for a PhD in Astronomy.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a transition from engineering to astronomy, particularly those with a background in electrical engineering, may find this discussion relevant. It may also be useful for students exploring interdisciplinary applications in astronomy.

confusedinMA
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
I am currently working on my BSEE, a degree I settled on due primarily to financial stability compared to taking a BS in physics or Astronomy. However, I am hoping perhaps to graduate and go into an Astronomy Ph.d. program as that is my true passion.

I am hoping that my EE background would help me contribute in an interdisciplinary field that is important in astronomy like; remote sensing,Radio Astronomy, or instrument design.

How difficult of a time would I have getting into a graduate program? Which schools might be potential candidates for someone like me? Would doing a minor in physics help?

I'm hoping that I wouldn't have to take the PGRE because I'm pretty sure I'd do horribly on it. Just any advice is greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You're probably going to have to take the Physics GRE, especially given that you aren't actually a physics major. Pretty much every graduate program requires it.
 
Almost all astronomy PhD programs require the physics GRE. And they do require a good background in physics as well. How much have you taken?
 
confusedinMA said:
I am hoping that my EE background would help me contribute in an interdisciplinary field that is important in astronomy like; remote sensing,Radio Astronomy, or instrument design.

It will help a lot. However, for you to get into astronomy grad school, you'll need to show that you've gotten the foundational physics concepts down.

How difficult of a time would I have getting into a graduate program? Which schools might be potential candidates for someone like me? Would doing a minor in physics help?

You'll need to pull in the equivalent of the basic physics curriculum. There is a lot of overlap between EE and physics and how to structure that is something that your academic advisor should help with.

I'm hoping that I wouldn't have to take the PGRE because I'm pretty sure I'd do horribly on it. Just any advice is greatly appreciated!

You'll have to take the PGRE. Horrible is relative. If you do really, really badly, then you'll have trouble getting into grad school because even if your EE is top-notch, you'll find it hard to communicate and understand what you are designing the instrument for. However, if you do decent but not spectacular and everything is OK, then you can find your way in.
 
I've taken Intro Physics I & II ( mechanics, thermo, e&m) and I'll take a futher course in E&M in my engineering program. What are the other must have classes to make it likely I'd get an acceptable score on the PGRE. I'm already a bit older, so I don't want to spend to much longer in undergrade, so a double major is kind of not an option due to pilling debt.

I'm not trying to take the easy way out I'm just too scared of being jobless if I get a BS in astro or physics.
 
twofish-quant said:
It will help a lot. However, for you to get into astronomy grad school, you'll need to show that you've gotten the foundational physics concepts down.



You'll need to pull in the equivalent of the basic physics curriculum. There is a lot of overlap between EE and physics and how to structure that is something that your academic advisor should help with.



You'll have to take the PGRE. Horrible is relative. If you do really, really badly, then you'll have trouble getting into grad school because even if your EE is top-notch, you'll find it hard to communicate and understand what you are designing the instrument for. However, if you do decent but not spectacular and everything is OK, then you can find your way in.

I ended up checking it out and doing a double major wouldn't be that bad as the departments wave some requirements for EE and physics double major.

Question twofish-quant, what subfields of astro would most benefit from someone with an EE background, I think I want to do something in radio astronomy and/or instrument design. I was am also somewhat interested in something like signal processing for SETI but that is a pretty niche field.
 

Similar threads

Admissions Curious about my grad school prospects
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Admissions Comments on my Physics grad school list?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Programs Can an Electrical Engineering Degree Lead to a Career in Astronomy?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Programs How many REUs should I apply to? (sophomore Physics/Astro double major)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
From Physics B.S. to Astrophysics/Astronomy Ph.D. Possible?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Schools Which are the best American universities for astronomy?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Programs What should my focus be during my PhD?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Programs Electrical Engineering PhD or Applied Physics PhD?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Starting at CompSci first instead of Astro good path?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Programs UC London Astrophysics MSc vs Leiden Astronomy MSc (+ PhD)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K