How long would it take to get a B.Sc. in mathematics and physics and an M.A. and Ph.D

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of obtaining multiple degrees and whether or not previous courses count towards another degree. It is mentioned that getting a Masters and PhD in engineering usually requires an accredited undergraduate degree in engineering. The typical duration for a bachelors in engineering is 4 years, a masters is 2 years, and a PhD is around 3-5 years. It is also suggested that individuals interested in math could consider electrical/telecommunications/computer engineering as it is mathematically intensive. The conversation also mentions the difference in approach between math majors and engineers, with math majors being taught to think at a higher level while engineers tend to learn practical skills earlier on. The conversation ends with a suggestion to consider a career as an
  • #1
land_of_ice
137
0
( a B.Sc. in mathematics and physics and an M.A. and Ph.D. in engineering, that is ) ?

When people have multiple degrees do they work on each simultaneously, or do they usually work on one at a time, and do the classes that they took previously ever count towards another degree?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


land_of_ice said:
( a B.Sc. in mathematics and physics and an M.A. and Ph.D. in engineering, that is ) ?

When people have multiple degrees do they work on each simultaneously, or do they usually work on one at a time, and do the classes that they took previously ever count towards another degree?

Other people chime in here but I think that getting a Masters in Engineering (and a PhD) require a an accredited undergraduate bachelors in the appropriate engineering. There are graduate courses that may take in majors from other backgrounds but it is not often the case especially when a PhD is involved.

A standard bachelors in engineering is 4 years and a masters is 2 years. I'm not quite sure about the PhD but for physics it can be around 3-5 years (after coursework).

I am currently doing a BSc in mathematics and I can tell you that you will not get the sort of training that an engineer would get. Engineers typically do applied math all the way through so I guess if you had an applied math major that would help. If you majored in statistics you could possibly do telecommunications engineering as a masters but don't quote me on that: a core component of electrical/telecommunications engineering is information theory and statistics especially markovian statistics and applied probability.

Engineers usually take "crash courses" in math. Sometimes they take courses administered by the math faculties and sometimes they take them administered by the engineering faculties. This really depends on the uni and their resources.

If you like math you could consider electrical/telecommunications/computer engineering. There is a lot of shared topics between these three and it is mathematically intensive.

Telecommunications analyzes information so you will have to get to know information theory after you learn about base line electrical and computer physics and science. The math I have heard for engineering can get funky in this disciplinary area.

What I have found in my course is that it takes years to actually do something "useful" in maths. I have taken a few physics courses and I am guessing that engineers learn to apply science a lot earlier than math majors. I think there is two signs to this:

The first one is that math majors are taught to think higher level and that this can be a positive thing when it comes to putting everything in perspective. But engineers tend to get their "feet wet" earlier on and learn to do something "useful" earlier on.

A similar career to an engineer is an actuary. These guys are basically statisticians in insurance companies and banks. There's a lot of jokes about how boring these people are but jokes aside they can command quite attractive salaries and get nice increases in pay as their qualifications grow.

I'm not quite sure what your motivations are for the courses so I've thrown some advice around for you. Hope it helps.
 

1. How long does it typically take to earn a B.Sc. in mathematics and physics?

The length of time it takes to earn a B.Sc. in mathematics and physics can vary depending on factors such as course load, credit requirements, and individual pace. However, most undergraduate programs require 4 years of full-time study to complete.

2. Can I earn an M.A. and Ph.D. in mathematics and physics at the same time?

It is possible to earn both an M.A. and Ph.D. in mathematics and physics concurrently through joint programs offered by some universities. However, this typically requires a significant time commitment and may take longer than earning them separately.

3. How long does it take to earn an M.A. in mathematics and physics?

The length of time it takes to earn an M.A. in mathematics and physics can vary, but most programs require 2-3 years of full-time study. Part-time options may also be available, which can extend the time it takes to complete the degree.

4. Is there a faster way to earn a B.Sc. and M.A. in mathematics and physics?

Some universities offer accelerated programs that allow students to earn both a B.Sc. and M.A. in mathematics and physics in a shorter amount of time. These programs may require a heavier course load or summer classes to complete.

5. How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics and physics?

The length of time it takes to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics and physics can vary, but most programs require 4-6 years of full-time study. This may also depend on the research and dissertation requirements of the specific program.

Similar threads

  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
679
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
11
Views
658
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
24
Views
2K
Back
Top