Getting a Physics Degree While Working in the US

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and possibilities of pursuing a physics degree while working in the US, particularly for someone with a background in computer science. Participants explore options for continuing education, including night courses and online degrees, and the implications of these choices for future research opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to study physics for research in theoretical physics or aerospace, indicating a serious interest in the field.
  • Another participant notes that a PhD is generally required for constant research in physics, suggesting that a master's degree may not suffice for research roles.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of pursuing a master's program in physics with a computer science background, with one participant mentioning a specific program at UCSD that allows part-time study.
  • There is skepticism regarding the value of online degrees in physics, with a participant suggesting that they may not be well-regarded by PhD-granting institutions.
  • One participant shares personal experience of quitting their job to study physics, highlighting the difficulty of finding suitable night classes.
  • Flexibility in work schedules is mentioned as a potential factor that could influence the ability to pursue a degree while working.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best path to pursue a physics degree while working, with no consensus on the feasibility of online degrees or the necessity of a PhD for research roles. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for someone in the original poster's situation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific information about the acceptance of online degrees by institutions and the varying definitions of what constitutes a suitable physics program for someone with a computer science background.

SushiLord
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Hello everyone,

I have always loved physics but for many reasons (mostly parents) I didn't major in physics.
I am about to get my master's in computer science in europe and am soon moving to the US to work.

I know that continuing studies is easier than in europe (in my country it's simply impossible) so I would like to know if anyone knows how I could achieve this.

Are there night courses ? Online only degrees ?

I already have a basic understanding of some fields of physics as I taught myself (quantum physics, relativity and classical).

Thank you for your time,
SushiLord
 
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The answer depends on what you want to study physics for.

Is it just a hobby, to fulfill your curiosity about physics, or are you hoping to actually do something what that education?
 
I am hoping to be able to do research in theoretical physics or aerospace, I am amazed by both !
 
You will need a PhD to do any sort of constant research, as a general rule of course.. I suspect there might be jobs for people with a masters in it.
 
Yea I was planning on doing a PhD if I ever managed to get a bachelor's first, which is what is causing me problems right now :/
 
Then it severally limits your options for continuing studies. There are some master programs, like the one at UCSD, where you can take one course a quarter until you complete your masters. With a CS degree, you might be able to get into some similar master program for physics, but I am not sure how feasible or likely this is.

Online degrees, especially for something like physics, aren't going to be looked upon very good by PhD granting institutions my intuition tells me, but I could be wrong. You're going to need to get a PhD to do what you want to do. You can do your PhD online at some places, but these are just diploma mills that are looking to make a quick buck.

I quit my job to study physics, it become to difficult to find the right night classes even at the junior college I was attending.

Maybe someone else will have a more personal experience to help you out, and it depends on how flexible your work schedule is, it might not be impossible to go to uni for your bs/ms while working.
 
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